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Portland Public Schools

All articles tagged with #portland public schools

Portland Public Schools Unveil Two 'Rightsizing' Plans, Proposing Up to 14 Closures
local-news10 days ago

Portland Public Schools Unveil Two 'Rightsizing' Plans, Proposing Up to 14 Closures

Portland Public Schools (PPS) released two 'rightsizing' scenarios on Monday, proposing the closure of 11 to 14 schools to address a $65 million budget deficit and declining enrollment. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong argues the cuts are necessary to ensure service standards, while critics demand a slower, more community-centered process. The school board is expected to vote in December, with changes potentially taking effect in fall 2027.

Portland Public Schools Proposes Closing Up to 14 Schools Amid $65M Deficit
education11 days ago

Portland Public Schools Proposes Closing Up to 14 Schools Amid $65M Deficit

Portland Public Schools (PPS) has released two proposals to close between 11 and 14 schools to address a $65 million budget shortfall and declining enrollment. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong argues the cuts are necessary for sustainability, while critics demand a slower process. The School Board will vote in December, with changes potentially taking effect in fall 2027.

Benson High evacuates after 15-year-old inhales and spills toxic chemical mix
local-news1 month ago

Benson High evacuates after 15-year-old inhales and spills toxic chemical mix

A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland is expected to survive after inhaling and spilling a toxic chemical mixture in the cafeteria on Tuesday. Portland police clarified that the boy did not drink the substance, contradicting earlier reports. The school was evacuated, and while the student remains in critical condition, officials state there is no ongoing threat to the community. Classes are expected to resume on Thursday.

Portland Public Schools Weighs Closing Up to 10 Schools by 2027–28
education7 months ago

Portland Public Schools Weighs Closing Up to 10 Schools by 2027–28

Portland Public Schools plans to close five to ten of its 74 elementary, K–8, middle, and alternative schools by the start of the 2027–28 school year, citing a 12% enrollment drop since 2018–19 and projections of further declines. A timeline calls for family engagement through spring, summer, and fall 2026, with Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong to present a recommendation to the school board by late fall 2026 and board approval by year’s end. Closures would be part of a broader effort to optimize resources and school communities, with decisions influenced by future housing patterns and facility concerns; officials note that savings are unlikely to be substantial unless staffing is reduced.

Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong Named New Superintendent of Portland Public Schools
education2 years ago

Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong Named New Superintendent of Portland Public Schools

Portland Public Schools has appointed Kimberlee Armstrong, the former chief academic officer and current deputy superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, as its new superintendent after a six-month national search. Armstrong will be the first Black woman to lead Oregon's largest school district, with a focus on improving reading and math achievement for Black and Indigenous students.

Portland Public Schools Faces Backlash Over $30 Million Budget Cut Announcement
education2 years ago

Portland Public Schools Faces Backlash Over $30 Million Budget Cut Announcement

Portland Public Schools is anticipating $30 million in budget cuts for the 2024-25 school year, with 50% coming from reductions in central operations and the remaining 50% from school-based budgets. Outgoing Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero stated that the impact on students and educators is unavoidable, and some schools may see an increase in teacher-to-student ratios. The Portland Association of Teachers expressed concerns about the district's spending priorities and urged the district to prioritize classroom resources over administrative expenses. Interim Superintendent Sandy Husk will oversee the budget process, with a budget update scheduled for the Community Budget Review Committee meeting.

"Oregon School Districts Diverge on Snow Day Decisions for January 18-19, 2024"
education2 years ago

"Oregon School Districts Diverge on Snow Day Decisions for January 18-19, 2024"

Portland Public Schools decided to close for a fourth day due to impaired bus routes and dangerous conditions, while Beaverton School District announced plans to open with the possibility of changing their minds Friday morning. Other Oregon school districts, including Multnomah and Washington counties, also made different decisions for their Friday plans in response to ongoing cold weather and the possibility of further precipitation.

"Multiple Oregon School Districts Cancel Classes Due to Winter Weather"
education2 years ago

"Multiple Oregon School Districts Cancel Classes Due to Winter Weather"

Several local school districts, including Portland Public Schools and Beaverton School District, have announced closures for Thursday due to ongoing winter weather issues such as burst pipes and downed trees. Other area schools and institutions, such as Portland Community College and Pacific University, will also be closed or have classes conducted online. Additional district closures in the area are expected to be updated.

"Oregon Ice Storm: School Closures and Power Outages Updates"
education2 years ago

"Oregon Ice Storm: School Closures and Power Outages Updates"

Due to freezing rain and forecasts of icy conditions, several metro-area school districts in Oregon, including Portland Public Schools, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and others, will remain closed on Wednesday. The closures are attributed to potential power outages, tree damage, and dangerous road conditions. Some schools have experienced burst pipes, frozen waterlines, and power outages, while others are being inspected for safety. Despite a thaw in temperatures, wind chills may delay the reopening of schools, and maintenance crews are working to address damages caused by the storm.

"Portland Metro Schools Brace for Friday Arctic Blast with Early Dismissals and Closures"
weather2 years ago

"Portland Metro Schools Brace for Friday Arctic Blast with Early Dismissals and Closures"

Several school districts in Oregon and Washington, including Portland Public Schools, are implementing early dismissals in anticipation of an incoming winter storm bringing potential snow and ice accumulation and dangerous wind chill. Plows are on standby, and officials are urging people to stay home as the storm approaches. The decision to release students early is a precautionary measure to ensure their safety, with memories of last year's February storm prompting districts to err on the side of caution. ODOT advises people to stay off the roads to allow plows to clear them effectively.

"High Absenteeism Plagues Portland Public Schools During Make-Up Days"
education2 years ago

"High Absenteeism Plagues Portland Public Schools During Make-Up Days"

Approximately 20% of students in Portland Public Schools, or about 9,000 students, were absent on the first day of a make-up week that was originally scheduled as winter break but repurposed to make up for lost school days due to a teacher strike. The district expects both student and educator absences to increase throughout the week, potentially straining the school system. While some schools faced challenges finding enough substitute teachers, no buildings were closed and significant disruptions were avoided. The make-up week is particularly important for high school students who need to accumulate credits and prepare for pre-college tests.