Portland board hears plans to close 11 to 14 schools

Two closure scenarios

Portland Public Schools presented its board with two school-closure scenarios at an Oct. 6 meeting. The plan, released Monday, would close either 11 or 14 buildings in Oregon’s largest school district. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong introduced the proposal, and district staff explained it to board members.

The meeting was the board’s first opportunity to hear the proposal and the public’s first opportunity to respond directly. Hundreds of students, parents and staff members came to the Dr. Matthew Prophet Education Center, with many asking the district to pause the closure process. The room reached capacity, leaving many people outside at first; members of the crowd later moved past security and entered the building.

Testimony and board questions

Portland Association of Teachers members delivered petitions to school board members. Union President Alisha Chavez testified, while students and families from district schools attended with signs opposing closures.

Caleb Kawasaki, a Portland Public Schools student, told the board about learning in classes with more than 50 students. Families represented schools under consideration, including Marysville Elementary, which is among the 14 schools in one scenario. Second graders from Maplewood Elementary and families connected to James John Elementary and Sunnyside Environmental School also attended.

Board member Stephanie Engelsman, who represents Zone 6, questioned the district team presenting the proposal. Margaret Calvert, the district’s executive director of school planning and modernization, participated in the presentation.