Rightsizing Facts
Portland Public Schools is deciding whether to close up to 14 schools and reshape dozens more. This series looks at what the district has said the plan is for, what the research says about closing schools, and who decides, using the district's own documents and published research, with every source linked. We're a group of concerned Portland parents, not affiliated with PPS.
Key dates
- : The superintendent presents her recommendations to the board
- : Board listening session at Cleveland High School (Marshall campus): student hour 5–6 p.m., general session 6–8 p.m.
- : Board listening session at Franklin High School: student hour 5–6 p.m., general session 6–8 p.m.
- : The board's final vote
The series
Read in this order.
- School Closures Rarely Help Students. Here's What the Research Shows
What studies of closures in Chicago, Philadelphia and elsewhere found happens to the students who move.
- PPS Hasn't Said What Closing Schools Would Save
Checking the plan against the three problems families worry about most: money, enrollment and academics.
- Research Doesn't Show Small Schools Hurt Students. Thin Staffing Does.
Small schools struggle to staff a full program, but the cause is the staffing formula, not their size.
- Vernon Met PPS's Size Target. Rightsizing Would Shrink It Below.
Vernon met the size target; as a K-5 it would fall below it from the start.
- The PPS Board Votes Dec. 15. Here's How to Reach Them.
The superintendent, the board, and what actually moves a board's vote.