Corbett School District reportedly seeks $2 million loan to help with budget shortfall

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Corbett School District is reportedly trying to secure a $2 million loan from Multnomah Education Service District. That is the same outside entity that is accused of making accounting errors for the district that led to the $3 million budget deficit in the first place.

Members of Corbett School District's board discussed a variety of topics during a meeting on Wednesday night in Troutdale, including recruiting people to their budget committee.

Parents and staff members packed the meeting with a loud and clear message: asking the district to be better at transparency and communication.

"Keeping kids out and spending more in revenue, I don't know what you guys were thinking," said Nick Moon. "We are the unique part of the gorge. This community is where it's at. We're here, so let's try and fix it."

Earlier this week, the district confirmed massive cuts — including teacher jobs and furlough days — just to stay afloat.

Superintendent Derek Fialkewicz told KOIN 6 News he could not confirm reports that the district was seeking the $2 million zero-interest loan from MESD since the district's efforts to stabilize the budget are "still in the works." As such, the board did not vote on the loan in question at Wednesday night's meeting.

Parents are fired up about the budgetary woes. One even discussed a petition going around to expand the Corbett School District to help ease the budget shortfall.