Portland Public Schools announces proposals to close up to 14 schools. See which schools are on the list

Key Points:

• Portland Public Schools has proposed two scenarios involving the closure of up to 14 schools, boundary changes, and program shifts affecting 42 of its 81 schools, with a final decision expected by mid-December and implementation beginning next fall.
• Scenario A would close 14 schools including 13 elementary and one middle school, while Scenario B would close 11 schools, sparing three from the first scenario; six of the schools proposed for closure are Title I schools serving higher poverty populations.
• The district aims to phase out K-8 schools in favor of larger middle schools to offer broader electives and reduce cultural transitions to high school, alongside consolidating language immersion programs, though this raises concerns about transportation logistics and community disruption.
• The Portland Association of Teachers union opposes the closures, urging the district to focus on growing enrollment and boundary adjustments before shutting schools, while parents and community members have mobilized to demand more transparency and alternatives to closures.
• The district faces declining enrollment and a $65 million budget deficit projected for 2027-28, with closures intended to better align resources with student populations; however, the impact on staffing remains uncertain amid ongoing budget challenges.