Portland Public Schools Releases Two School Closure Scenarios to School Board

Key Points:

• Portland Public Schools has proposed two consolidation scenarios involving the closure of 11 to 14 schools, predominantly elementary schools and Sellwood Middle School, with seven K-8 schools converting to K-5 schools and the closure of the Metropolitan Learning Center high school.
• Both scenarios target six Title I elementary schools serving low-income communities, sparking concerns about equity and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, with the district proposing numerous boundary changes to rebalance enrollment.
• Scenario A maintains a higher percentage (67%) of schools at or above enrollment thresholds for strong programming compared to Scenario B (57%), while a third option would defer any closures and maintain current school configurations temporarily.
• The Portland Association of Teachers has criticized the closure plans, urging the district to slow down and adopt a more community-focused approach, emphasizing investment in enrollment growth and staffing rather than school closures.
• The district will continue family engagement through November, with Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong set to make a final recommendation before the School Board votes in December, aiming for changes to take effect in the 2027–28 school year.