Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland Public Schools will not eliminate its physical education teachers under a new proposal the board announced Friday afternoon. Rob Manning reports.

School district officials say they're confident Congress will pass a $10 billion school bailout. Portland's share of that would fill one-third of the district's budget gap.

District spokesman Robb Cowie says PPS will still cut more than 130 positions — but the superintendent is telling schools to keep PE.

Robb Cowie: "As they make those cuts, making them in a way that retains a PE program across the school district, as well as basic library support in our schools."

The latest proposal maintains a half-time PE teacher, and half-time librarian — at a minimum — at each of Portland's elementary and middle schools.

The restoration of PE depends on the U.S. Senate approving an education jobs bill. If that doesn't happen, the district would face bigger cuts again.