Portland Public Schools scales back closure proposal

Zoom in: The new proposal, released Friday by superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong, would close five elementary schools next year — Beach, Peninsula, Sabin, Creston and Buckman.

• Beverly Cleary and Irvington elementaries would merge while Beverly Cleary gets earthquake upgrades.
• In fall 2028, Rose City Park, Lewis, Marysville, Woodmere and Irvington elementary schools would be shut down.
• The proposal would also alter, combine or relocate several specialized programs.

Catch up quick: Last month, the district laid out three scenarios: one that would close 14 schools, another that would close 11 and a third that would defer any closures to a future date.

What's next: The proposal is set to go before the school board ahead of a scheduled vote Dec. 15.