Last month, Portland Public Schools (PPS) released two proposals to close and combine schools across the district beginning next school year. Both proposals recommend closing Peninsula Elementary, Kenton’s only remaining neighborhood school. (Kenton Grade School was closed in 2006.)
Peninsula School, Kenton’s only elementary school, in October. Photo by Alicia Gallo
Our Position
The Kenton Neighborhood Association is deeply concerned about the impact that this closure would have on Kenton students, families, and the vitality of our neighborhood as a whole.
We recognize that PPS faces difficult financial and enrollment challenges and that changes to district schools may be necessary. However, we also know that closing a neighborhood school is about more than simply moving students from one building to another.
Schools are essential community institutions that support children, connect families, and provide shared spaces essential for neighborhood life. They are a cornerstone of strong and vibrant neighborhoods.
The Kenton Neighborhood Association urges PPS and the School Board to slow down the rightsizing decisionmaking process in order to more fully consider the impacts that the proposed scenarios will have on neighborhoods, families, and students.
We also ask PPS to provide additional information so that community members can better understand how either scenario would benefit Kenton students and impact our neighborhood at large.
We’ve shared our concerns and asks with PPS School Board Directors, City Councilors, and Mayor Wilson. Read our letter here >
Where Things Stand
Over the last few weeks, PPS and the School Board have invited the public to submit comments on the proposals. They have also held conversations with impacted schools, educators, and families to hear concerns and gather feedback on the rightsizing proposals.
The School Board will discuss the rightsizing proposals at upcoming meetings:
November 4th: The School Board will give feedback to the District
November 17th: Superintendent Dr. Armstrong will present her final rightsizing recommendations to the Board
December 15th: The School Board votes on the final rightsizing proposal
These meetings are open to the public and can also be streamed live on YouTube. Meeting locations and agendas are available here.
How to Get Involved
If you have any feedback on the rightsizing proposals, now is the time to make your voice heard! Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Share your thoughts with PPS: Take this survey >
Contact the School Board: Email schoolboard@pps.net
Make public comment at an upcoming School Board meeting: Send written comments to PublicComment@pps.net. To sign up to speak at a meeting, call the Board Office at 503-916-3741 or email PublicComment@pps.net. Make sure to copy this template and fill in the requested details:
Full name:
Topic:
Meeting date:
School Community:
Phone number:
Text okay?
Are you a student?
In-Person or Virtual attendance?
Attend a PPS listening session: Check out the schedule here and RSVP to attend a session here.
Get connected with the Peninsula PTA: Visit their website and follow them on Instagram.
There are a number of groups organizing and coordinating various events and activities you can read more about here.
