Portland Superintendent Recommends 10 School Closures

Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong has recommended closing 10 elementary schools in two phases, five in fall 2027 and five in fall 2028, revising earlier scenarios that proposed closing as many as 14 schools. The proposed closures are Beach, Buckman, Creston, Peninsula and Sabin in 2027, followed by Irvington, Lewis, Marysville, Rose City Park and Woodmere in 2028; Beverly Cleary and Irvington would temporarily operate together while Beverly Cleary undergoes seismic work. The plan also calls for converting several K-8 schools to K-5, shifting some language-immersion and other programs, and changing school boundaries. The district says the changes respond to declining enrollment and a projected $65 million budget gap, but they would not eliminate the deficit, and further cuts would be needed. Armstrong’s recommendation follows weeks of community criticism and makes concessions to earlier proposals, including sparing Sellwood Middle School and some elementary schools; the school board will decide whether to approve or change the plan after further public input.