Portland families fear losing their schools
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Portland families are angry and sad over a proposal to close up to 14 schools, with some considering leaving the city.
Why it matters: The announcement last week drew a swift and widespread response from parents across the city, with many saying their schools are the foundation of their communities.
Catch up quick: The district proposed two options last week aimed at "right-sizing" its footprint as student enrollment drops. The closures could come ahead of the 2027–28 school year.
- Scenario A would close 14 schools while Scenario B would close 11 schools. A third option would defer any closures to an undetermined future date.
- Both scenarios would require dozens of boundary changes that would affect many schools beyond just those slated for closure, moving a dozen or more programs and reconfiguring some K–8 schools.
What you're saying: Several Axios Portland readers told us they chose where to live based on schools now facing possible closure.
- "We live close to the Maplewood school and this is a big reason we bought in this neighborhood," Austin L. wrote. "If this school closes we will likely move out of Portland."
Some readers worried about programs affected by the reorganization, including Metropolitan Learning Center, a K–12 alternative school whose high school students would be sent to traditional schools.
- "The high school program at MLC is the first time our now-freshman has felt welcome and invited at a school, has not been bullied, and finally has a team of teachers that helped us finalize their (individualized education program)," wrote Chris C.
Liz W. questioned how the district selected schools for possible closure and whether it considered factors like community impact and student belonging.
- The district has said the selections were the product of "months of analysis and community engagement to better align schools, programs and resources with current enrollment."
The latest: The district is hosting more than a dozen listening sessions over the next month, including one Thursday at Kellogg Middle School specifically to hear from those with disabilities.
- If you go: The session will run from 6 to 8pm at 3400 Southeast 69th Ave.
What's next: Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong is expected to recommend a plan to the school board in the coming weeks, with a vote expected in December.