Viewer - Live chat: Portland school balancing

Live chat: Portland school balancing

Wednesday December 5, 2012

10:43

The Oregonian:

Hi everyone, welcome to the live chat

Wednesday December 5, 2012 10:43 The Oregonian

10:43

The Oregonian:

We'll begin in about 15 minutes.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 10:43 The Oregonian

10:44

The Oregonian:

You can enter questions in the queue now. There will be a slight delay before you see them appear on the screen, once we begin.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 10:44 The Oregonian

11:00

Larry Bingham:

Hi. Larry Bingham here. I cover NE, though Nicole is our lead PPS reporter. I covered last year's re-balancing meetings and process in central NE and am happy to answer questions. I'm also curious to hear what you think.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:00 Larry Bingham

11:01

The Oregonian:

Thanks for coming everyone.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:01 The Oregonian

11:01

Nicole Dungca:

Hi, everyone. I'm Nicole Dungca, the Portland Public Schools reporter. We're here to answer any questions you have and would also love to hear what you all think about the process and proposals.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:01 Nicole Dungca

11:02

The Oregonian:

What action exactly, is being proposed.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:02 The Oregonian

11:02

The Oregonian:

Just to sort of orient the conversation.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:02 The Oregonian

11:02

The Oregonian:

Then we'll take questions from the readers.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:02 The Oregonian

11:02

The Oregonian:

There are a lot of questions. So please be patient.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:02 The Oregonian

11:03

Nicole Dungca:

So just to catch some people up, PPS is considering implementing several changes -- such as school consolidations, boundary changes or the addition of a middle school -- to help balance enrollments in the Jefferson cluster in North and Northeast Portland.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:03 Nicole Dungca

11:04

Nicole Dungca:

Officials are saying this is necessary to provide stable staffing for full programs at these schools. Last week, they released 6 different proposals and plan on narrowing it down to two or three before winter break. A vote could come as soon as January 2013.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:04 Nicole Dungca

11:04

[Comment From RobertRobert: ]

Why does PPS keep using the "Jefferson cluster" moniker when these schools don't actually feed into Jefferson High anymore?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:04 Robert

11:05

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Glad to be here. I am currently PTA President at King School. We would like this process to not just shift around the landscape in North and Northeast Portland schools but to solve longstanding issues in equity. That inequity currently leads to low capture rates across our schools.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:05 Trace Salmon

11:05

The Oregonian:

Trace Larry will take your question

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:05 The Oregonian

11:05

Nicole Dungca:

Robert, while all of these schools do feed into another comprehensive high school, they also guarantee students a spot at Jefferson, which is now an options school (other students from PPS have to apply to Jefferson and aren't guaranteed a spot).

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:05 Nicole Dungca

11:06

Larry Bingham:

Thanks, Trace, for the comment. I read a lot on the parent group Facebook page about capture rates this morning. What specifically do schools want to see PPS do to improve capture rates?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:06 Larry Bingham

11:06

[Comment From Lluvia MerelloLluvia Merello: ]

How can we have such disparity in resources in our two clusters that neighbor each other. Roosevelt middle school is about to roll out 500 Ipads for their kids. Jefferson cluster schools have nothing even comparable to that.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:06 Lluvia Merello

11:07

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

PPS tried to close Jeff High a couple of years ago but were beaten back. Would they still like to close it or have they committed to it long-term?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:07 Guest

11:07

Nicole Dungca:

Lluvia, I think you're talking about Roosevelt High, not middle school. And that school is actually in its third year of a School Improvement Grant, which gave it a big infusion of money from the federal government.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:07 Nicole Dungca

11:07

The Oregonian:

Guest- Some would say they've tried to close the school several times. It's been restructured many many times in the last decade.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:07 The Oregonian

11:08

Nicole Dungca:

Just for background, King K-8 school also has that same grant, but is one year behind.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:08 Nicole Dungca

11:08

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

How much say do parents really have? Are the decisions made already or can changes be made?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:08 Guest

11:08

Nicole Dungca:

Guest, this process doesn't touch closing Jefferson High School. It just concerns its elementary and K-8 schools.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:08 Nicole Dungca

11:08

The Oregonian:

Guest- The current structure of the cluster came after a protracted battle over high schools.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:08 The Oregonian

11:09

Larry Bingham:

Guest, I think parents have a lot of say. I keep hearing the brd and staff say they want feedback to the six proposals. Some board members even asked at a meeting whether parents in the Jeff cluster want a middle school or not.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:09 Larry Bingham

11:09

[Comment From CliffordClifford: ]

Does the District support the Humboldt Neighborhood Association's policy regarding the retaining of names of schools and other public institutions named for former slave owners or others who did not respect equal opportunity for all?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:09 Clifford

11:09

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Larry, capture rates need to be improved by assuring parents of equitable programs. Right now, dollars follow students and there has been long-standing flight. Our small schools can't compete in this environment for programs in many cases. Flight leads to weaker programs, which lead to flight to focus options and charters.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:09 Trace Salmon

11:09

Nicole Dungca:

In terms of how much say parents have, officials say they're listening and recording all the feedback from these community meetings. So far, there have been more than 13 -- at least one at every school in the cluster and two this week. There's another next week, as well.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:09 Nicole Dungca

11:10

The Oregonian:

Guest- I would say a lot of political effort has been put into the current structure of Jefferson, so I would be surprise to see another radical change soon.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:10 The Oregonian

11:10

The Oregonian:

Guest- but it's happened before

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:10 The Oregonian

11:10

Nicole Dungca:

Clifford, I'm not familiar with that policy, so I can't really speak to that. I haven't heard any mention of it at the meetings, either.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:10 Nicole Dungca

11:10

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Whether or not PPS is listening, will they give us a chance to refine the final proposals with the deadline we are given of implementation in fall?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:10 Trace Salmon

11:11

Larry Bingham:

Exactly, Trace! Agreed. So I'm curious if there's any consensus building around any of the six proposals. Trace, which of the six do you folks at King like the most?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:11 Larry Bingham

11:11

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

I know Larry covered the Sabin/Alameda/etc. process last year (and the year before) and would like to hear how he thinks the district is handling things this time out so far.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:11 NoPoMom

11:11

[Comment From JyothiJyothi: ]

History always is a good predictor of the future. That is why the more I learn about the history of this district and this cluster, the less confident I am that this process or these proposals are going to go well for our kids. This district seems to be famous for 1..addressing the symptoms, not the cause.. In this case not really asking why is the enrollment not balanced but coming up with plans on paper to “fix” the problem 2. having fragmented conversations 3. not having a vision ..series of shortsighted, shortlived decisions. 4. Not being transparent 5.Not following through on its promises. As a result this is creating a nomadic group of kids and instability esp. in the Jeff cluster.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:11 Jyothi

11:11

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

Why couldn't PPS give us these proposals w/ economic impact statements? It's hard to know, for example, whether it will be ridiculously costly to open two middle schools.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:11 NoPoMom

11:12

Nicole Dungca:

Trace, you're touching on what I think is a big concern many community members have about a pretty liberal transfer policy. Judy Brennan, the district's director of transfer and enrollment, said that has been a very common concern that they're taking into account.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:12 Nicole Dungca

11:12

The Oregonian:

To the readers, you are asking great questions.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:12 The Oregonian

11:12

Larry Bingham:

Hi NoPoMom. Last year it seems as if the school groups had come together and supported, as a whole, some of the options. For instance, Rigler seemed to have a campaign to get kids to Beaumont. I haven't seen any grouped efforts like that so far. I haven't seen or herd much feedback yet on what proposals are most popular and which are deemed stinkers, actually.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:12 Larry Bingham

11:13

Nicole Dungca:

Brennan said last night (as you know, since I saw you there) that they could address limiting transfers, since so many people have talked about it. And it's something the district has already done in several other instances, if we look at how they've tightened up a lot of transfer spots at high schools to help keep students in neighborhood schools.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:13 Nicole Dungca

11:13

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

For a parent who hasn't been paying close attention, what are the potential downsides of balancing?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:13 Guest

11:13

Nicole Dungca:

NoPoMom, really good question. People are itching for actual dollar amounts to see if it's feasible.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:13 Nicole Dungca

11:13

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Nicole, the documents released show they've heard the concern on transfers and suggests what enrollments might be if the policy is changed but they don't discuss what changes would be made.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:13 Trace Salmon

11:14

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

None of the six address our needs really. We need a bigger boundary and larger 6-8 enrollment. A new middle school is an unknown quantity. No boundaries have been proposed. ACCESS placed at King may not help our program and may compete for space.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:14 Trace Salmon

11:14

[Comment From guestguest: ]

with jeffersons continual decline and achievement marks that are as low as it gets, I wonder why is everyone so concerned with closing this school?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:14 guest

11:14

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Nicole: They've had 13 meetings, yes. But just having meetings doesn't necessarily mean that they've listened, or that these 6 scenarios have anything to do with the content of those meetings or the substance of what N/NE parents actually want. Some of these scenarios look like red herrings, not worth the paper they're printed on.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:14 Guest

11:15

Nicole Dungca:

Part of the reason, it seems, is that officials say these are likely to change (which a lot of parents are frustrated about, since it makes it harder to comment on them). So far, officials said that all are economically "feasible," and that the middle school options would likely be more expensive because of more transportation needs.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:15 Nicole Dungca

11:15

Larry Bingham:

Hi Guest. Downsides to re-balancing? Depends on what your school values the most, I suppose, and which proposals move forward. The downsides are also outlined on each of the proposals, along with some of the pros. One downside to not re-balancing is the upper grade programs at many of the K-8s remain weak.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:15 Larry Bingham

11:15

[Comment From JaneJane: ]

I don't understand why the district is not proposing to close more than one school under any of the scenarios. Isn't the problem that they are trying to fix that there aren't enough students in the schools in question, particularly in grades 6 through 8? It seems as if they may be overthinking a fix. Why not just close Ockley Green and King, since they're so small and unpopular with neighborhood residents?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:15 Jane

11:16

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

Larry - I know I'm just asking your opinion, but did it seem like the issues the other process faced were less to do w/ schools who had "achievement" issues?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:16 NoPoMom

11:16

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

I think they have heard what we want to say but don't necessarily agree it is the task before them right now. I think this is sticking the finger in the dike solution.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:16 Trace Salmon

11:16

Larry Bingham:

Wow, Jane. I'd think Ockley and King parents would disagree with you there.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:16 Larry Bingham

11:17

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Families don't want to feel "forced" to staying with their neighborhood schools. We want to feel like we *want* to go there. Nobody chooses to drive cross-town to take their kids to school because they want to. They do it because they feel their children's needs aren't being adequately addressed in their own neighborhood.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:17 Andy

11:17

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Quite the opposite, Jane. A number of families in the neighborhood are going to Ockey because they are seeking to build a neighborhood program. From what I hear, the same way with King. The underenrollment issues at both schools are much more systemic problems than simply being unpopular.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:17 Andy

11:17

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

At King, we have just turned the school around thanks to the investment of a lot of dollars and vision. I'm not sure we want to squander that for the sake of a popularity contest.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:17 Trace Salmon

11:17

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

No one has contested that we haven't had "enough meetings". The concern was this last mile feels the most compressed and we weren't given a clear indication of whether or not we're going to continue to be engaged in determining the ultimate recommendations to the board - we feel like we've been given some rough ideas without enough context of "how does this solve the problem we're trying to fix?"

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:17 Andy

11:17

Larry Bingham:

Nah, I wouldn't say that exactly, NoPoMom. Look how over-crowded Alameda was, for instance. And Vernon is back at the table again this round because of low numbers in its upper grades and dissatisfaction with its offerings.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:17 Larry Bingham

11:18

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

The "liberal transfer policy" is not as liberal as it seems. Many of the highly sought-after schools are bursting at the seams and you have hundreds of families all contesting for very few (or none at all) available slots. We have to address *why* families are seeking transfer.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:18 Andy

11:18

[Comment From Archipelag-aArchipelag-a: ]

How soon, if built, would a middle school appear in NE Portland? And what kind of long-term costs and emotional impact would packing in a couple hundred tweens in one concentrated area have on the innocent local residents?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:18 Archipelag-a

11:18

[Comment From Jyothi GaddamJyothi Gaddam: ]

I am curious to know why was the district was in such a rush to shut down Tubman and Humboldt this year, instead of involving them in the conversation with the community and sparing the students one less displacement . Right now if any of the scenarios were implemented, I can see how 6th graders who started at Tubman would be spending their three years of middle school in three different schools. The impact of the displacement is greater for Tubman students because they did not even move in a cohort. The challenges for SPED kids are even greater.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:18 Jyothi Gaddam

11:19

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Having said that, Jane. I do agree that on the surface it seems strange to be talking about budget crisis and underenrollment, yet a number of plans keeps the same number of buildings (or MORE buildings) open. I don't get that, either.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:19 Andy

11:19

[Comment From CliffordClifford: ]

Nicole, Larry Bingham and Casey Parks were given the Humboldt Policy.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:19 Clifford

11:20

Nicole Dungca:

Archipelag-a, these proposals could go into effect as soon as the next school year. In terms of costs, there hasn't been anything released.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:20 Nicole Dungca

11:20

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

I'm a Chief Joe parent that will have kids in pps for the next 18 years. I'm terrified they are going to continue to gut neighborhood programs, compound inequities by spreading the problems around, and install weak administration in weaker schools. I've been to the meetings and none of their options seem flushed out beyond the next couple of years. Have they talked about the next ten?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:20 Guest

11:20

Larry Bingham:

Sorry, Clifford. I don't cover Humboldt and can't speak to your policy. Sorry about that.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:20 Larry Bingham

11:20

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

One of the reasons is that people transfer is that they don't feel their children will get as much at a higher-poverty school than a lower one. Prinicipals who make a big deal out of closing the achievement gap by not worrying about everyone don't help this.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:20 Trace Salmon

11:20

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Talking about closing schools, the only school in the six proposals that is likely to close is Chief Joseph. Chief Joseph has the third highest enrollment and has one of the highest capture rates. PPS is focusing on balancing instead of helping struggling schools to improve.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:20 Guest

11:21

Larry Bingham:

Who wants to talk specific proposals? Are there any front runners? I saw some chatter about Option E. Thoughts?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:21 Larry Bingham

11:21

[Comment From Wendy HallWendy Hall: ]

I'd like to point out that in the planning meetings, it was brought up that there needs to be opportunity for all voice to be heard. Last night is an example of a concern I have: That meeting was announced six days before it was occurring and although they did provide a Spanish-speaking meeting, how many Spanish speakers even knew the scenarios were out, since they haven't been translated?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:21 Wendy Hall

11:21

Nicole Dungca:

Jyothi, your comment about continual displacement is a good one. I've heard a lot of issues with that with special education being moved around, as well as issues with Faubion, which will be rebuilt under the bond.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:21 Nicole Dungca

11:21

[Comment From Lluvia MerelloLluvia Merello: ]

I do not feel like they are listening. the first time the administration came into Woodlawn, on oct 8 2012, I specifically asked if they thought that we could reach our goal of 500 students, they replied yes that it was possible for us. I then asked how long we had to accomplish that, they would not answer. I now know that that was never an option. We would have to have reached that goal by today, and had we done that in less than two months it probably would not have made a difference! We at woodlawn love our school.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:21 Lluvia Merello

11:21

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

Can either of you tell us which board members were on the board when Vicki Phillips was superintendent? I know Bobbie Regan has been around a while, but am not sure when exactly VP implemented the K - 5 -> K - 8 conversions.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:21 NoPoMom

11:22

Larry Bingham:

Wendy, PPS is also taking comments via its web site and board members and staff have been receiving letters and email, too.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:22 Larry Bingham

11:22

The Oregonian:

Well, NoPoMom, Wynde and Lolenzo are gone.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:22 The Oregonian

11:22

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Even if we liked a specific "scenario", we don't know that it would give us what we want without any specifics. They are not being clear about possible closures.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:22 Trace Salmon

11:22

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Chief Joseph is not being closed. It is Ockley's Magnet (in name only) program that is being closed. You're just taking our building (in those applicable scenarios)

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:22 Andy

11:23

[Comment From JaneJane: ]

Trace: You dismiss the idea of judging schools' viability based on a 'popularity contest.' But when the families of more than 70 percent of Ockley Green neighborhood students have chosen to enroll them elsewhere in PPS ... do you really think all those families are making an irrational choice?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:23 Jane

11:23

[Comment From CliffordClifford: ]

Larry, Jefferson High School is in the center of the Humboldt neighborhood and you don't cover Humboldt? Interesting!

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:23 Clifford

11:23

Larry Bingham:

Clifford, I cover NE.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:23 Larry Bingham

11:23

The Oregonian:

Clifford, we don't assign beats based soley on ONI neighborhood association lines.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:23 The Oregonian

11:23

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Larry, regarding proposal "E" it closes Chief Joseph. As mentioned above Chief Joseph has high enrollement and one of the highest capture rates in the cluster. Why would we choose "E"?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:23 Guest

11:24

[Comment From Lluvia MerelloLluvia Merello: ]

Jane,

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:24 Lluvia Merello

11:24

Nicole Dungca:

To the Chief Joe parent, the proposals include predictions for 2015 enrollments but nothing beyond that. So no, not about the next ten years, though officials have mentioned that they hope keeping these school at sustainable populations will attract more neighborhood students in the future (whether that plays out remains to be seen, obviously).

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:24 Nicole Dungca

11:24

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

I would like to know more about how these scenarios will fit the long-term vision for Portland Public Schools and specifically for the goals for the Jefferson Cluster. As a mom with a son entering Kindergarten and a strong proponent of supporting neighborhood schools, I am interested in supporting the long-term vision -- strong elementary school foundation, supportive and challenging middle school program, and a high school that launches our students toward success in the workplace. Being in Arbor Lodge, an Ockley Green that is supported by the District AND parents is critical.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:24 Nova Newcomer

11:24

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

i should clarify that it must be embarrassing for some of these board members to consider undoing something they signed off on doing in the first place. (if they really are considering converting K - 8's back to K - 5's to create a middle school). Thanks, mysterious Oregonian person. I'll go check the historical list.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:24 NoPoMom

11:24

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Jane, there are a multitude of reasons to transfer--some good some misinformed.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:24 Trace Salmon

11:24

The Oregonian:

Hi NoPoMom, I am Cornelius Swart.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:24 The Oregonian

11:25

[Comment From RobertRobert: ]

It seems to me that involving so much parent discussion and throwing out so many proposals/options is really unproductive. You will never satisfy all the people all the time, especially when you start talking about closing schools or moving boundaries. I wonder, then, if the parent groups have considered giving PPS a "letter of demands" that could be signed by all the schools' parent groups and presenting as a guide to what is needed.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:25 Robert

11:25

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

Thanks!

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:25 NoPoMom

11:25

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

How much of this balancing is driven by long-term budget problems (related to PERS?) as opposed to changing demographics?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:25 Guest

11:25

Larry Bingham:

But Trace, the proposals do have specifics. The big question I haven't heard many parents address is: Who wants a middle school in the cluster? Half the proposals include a middle school, half do not.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:25 Larry Bingham

11:25

The Oregonian:

Guest- what do you mean by "demographics?"

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:25 The Oregonian

11:26

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Robert, we have done that and our demand is real proposals with real specifics for real feedback.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:26 Trace Salmon

11:26

[Comment From Jyothi GaddamJyothi Gaddam: ]

NoPoM. Board members are not embarrassed they have to undo something they signed on.. They bank on short public memory... Bobbie Reagan said she sat on the board to open Tubman YWA, as if to say that was enough. Does anyone studied how all these changes is increasing enrollment in the charter and private schools? I know a number of Tubman kids have moved to De La Salle.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:26 Jyothi Gaddam

11:27

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

I appreciate the comment from the Chief Joseph parent about "the next ten" years. I know that funds aren't there, but continual displacement is a problem not just for the kids, but for the district. These decisions are what continue to gut struggling schools and ensure that they struggle. There are a lot of parents out there who really want to do the right thing for the community by keeping their kids in the neighborhood school, but once a school gets a reputation, it can be very hard to convince other parents in the neighborhood to stay and invest a ton of energy when they feel a more viable alternative is available. People are just trying to do what's right for their families. It would be great if everyone could get on board with a vision, but that includes strong policy decisions from the District and the School Board that reinforce the behaviors and choices from parents that serve that vision.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:27 Nova Newcomer

11:27

Nicole Dungca:

The idea of closing Chief Joseph (which has obviously drawn a lot of concerns from parents) may be facility-related. With a 59 percent capture rate, it's at a 94 percent utilization rate for the building.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:27 Nicole Dungca

11:27

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Ockley's "neighborhood" is comprised entirely of Chief Joseph and their middle school-aged kids. The school has no neighborhood catchment of it's own. Every one else there is there by choice.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:27 Andy

11:27

Larry Bingham:

Guest, I was curious about E because other than the major change for Chief Joe, it seemed to me that E has the least changes at other schools. That's why I was wondering about it. So which proposal do you think is best for CJ?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:27 Larry Bingham

11:28

The Oregonian:

In regards to Chief Jo, it was only a few years ago, that Kenton Elementary was consolidated with Chief Jo.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:28 The Oregonian

11:28

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

Larry, do you think it's fair to say that you've heard consensus on the need for more language immersion in the cluster?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:28 NoPoMom

11:28

Nicole Dungca:

That said, I've heard from a number of Chief Jo parents who are worried that a community they've worked really hard to establish will be uprooted.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:28 Nicole Dungca

11:28

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Larry, if you asked people whether or not they want to go to Beaumont as Rigler and Sabin were, you can make an educated decision. Asking about a program that does not exist is difficult. Especially since the K-8 conversion was to eliminate the MS program in this neighborhood because it was not good.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:28 Trace Salmon

11:29

[Comment From IB parentIB parent: ]

I'm curious about the IB programs implemented at a few NE schools: why are the dollars being put into a program that doesn't have a follow through (none of them feed into an IB high school). Couldn't those dollars be better spent strengthening the core programs at these high poverty schools, thus improving the overall standings of the schools? I'm speaking of King and Vernon, in particular.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:29 IB parent

11:29

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

I totally agree, Trace.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:29 Nova Newcomer

11:29

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

I totally agree, Trace. Comment From Trace Salmon Jane, there are a multitude of reasons to transfer--some good some misinformed.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:29 Nova Newcomer

11:29

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

That same year Applegate was also closed and consolidated with Woodlawn, leaving the then-existant Ockley Middle School with one feeder elementary.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:29 Andy

11:30

[Comment From Good griefGood grief: ]

We aren't discussing a middle school option because they won't have one middle school feed into three different high schools. Again, the Jefferson Cluster is a farse

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:30 Good grief

11:30

Larry Bingham:

Hmm, NoPoMom, that's an interesting question. There's definitely growth in language immersion. Scott School just became the latest. But consensus? I dunno. What do YOU think? Consensus?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:30 Larry Bingham

11:30

[Comment From MfMf: ]

Ockley is no longer a neighborhood school (except for 6-8) but keeps getting called one. It's an open choice school that so far, few people have chosen. As reported, why would staff release proposals and then claim that the final dvisions will look much different? Isn't that a bait and switch?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:30 Mf

11:30

[Comment From CliffordClifford: ]

The Oregonian and Larry, part of the Humboldt Neighborhood is in Northeast Portland.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:30 Clifford

11:30

[Comment From Jyothi GaddamJyothi Gaddam: ]

I agree with IB parent. What is the status of IB programs at elementary schools?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:30 Jyothi Gaddam

11:31

Larry Bingham:

Great point, Trace. Thanks.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:31 Larry Bingham

11:31

The Oregonian:

CLifford, if you are talking about the ONI boundaries of the Humbolt Neighborhood, I think it stops at Williams Avenue, or close to it.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:31 The Oregonian

11:31

[Comment From Lluvia MerelloLluvia Merello: ]

Jane, what you are saying is that those parents have a choice to transfer, that they can drive their kids to school everyday. I am a single mom who works in the morning, I rely on transportation that pps provides. Many of us do not have that choice. Without the support of the neighborhood, who knows what our schools will look like.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:31 Lluvia Merello

11:32

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

That's another thing. We are not being told where our HS feeder patterns could be changed.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:32 Trace Salmon

11:32

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

I think I would *like* there to be consensus on language immersion. I would like to see more than just Beach's in-demand Spanish program.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:32 NoPoMom

11:32

[Comment From Derry jacksonDerry jackson: ]

Erstwhile, no major decisions or actions should occur outside the confines of the/a strategic plan. This avoids the appearance of management by-seat-of-one's-pants. Next, inside state law (I hope is still the case), there is a mandate to convene a site council. I like to think of them as mini-school boards, albeit in charge of the particular campus, incidentally, presided by a citizen and comprised of a majority of citizens. This allows for a true republican form of governance, not little "r" not big "R." With regards to Jefferson in particular, the school has suffered tremendously, perhaps more than any other in the state. Now, some might say this is because it has been predominately black, others might say it was to powerful (in basketball, especially), and thus something must be done to bust them down, put them in their place. So, efforts were commissioned, starting with installing weak leadership, or cause a high turn-over in leadership. Jefferson sits on premium real-estate. Name another high school (or schoo, for that matter) that sits directly adjacent a college? Bottom-iine, we need to clean house. Rid the district of all sycophants. This is not the time for

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:32 Derry jackson

11:33

[Comment From Jyothi GaddamJyothi Gaddam: ]

Personally I think academic rigor and STEM education will be a greater draw than language immersion. With all the focus of federal and state government on STEM education, finding funding and training teachers will not be an issue.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:33 Jyothi Gaddam

11:33

Nicole Dungca:

IB parent, that's a good point and I'm sure some would agree with you. But ohers have said rigorous IB program actually attract students to those schools in the first place, too.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:33 Nicole Dungca

11:33

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

We want higher capture rates not only to raise enrollment, which it may not do everywhere, but to create more community investment in our local institutions and make for walkable, connected neighborhoods.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:33 Trace Salmon

11:33

[Comment From Derry jacksonDerry jackson: ]

This is not the time for yes-man and women, and furthermore, it is not too late.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:33 Derry jackson

11:33

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Mf: It's a focus option with a program that was severely hindered at the start with change in configuration and funding. It was never brought to a sustainable level before it had to "attract" students. My concern is this pattern could repeat with schools having to "fend for themselves" before changes can gel and populations stabilize or improve.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:33 Andy

11:34

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

I'm hearing the proposals are not getting the root of the issues around low capture rate. When you look more closely at the question of equity you have to look at how uncontrolled choice has created less equity. You have some neighbors who know about school options and some who don't, some who may know and can afford to commute to choice schools and some who can't. I understand PPS directs little money to ensuring every parent knows all of their options. This cluster has the highest transfer rates in the city. Why?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:34 Nick Fenger

11:34

Larry Bingham:

Agreed, Trace. I've heard that, too. So OK, if we can't talk about the middle school option, here's another thing I'm wondering what folks think about: Many of the proposals end with the idea that changing boundary lines outside the cluster could strengthen things. This came up in Option B and E, specifically, in regard to improving upper grade numbers at King, Vernon and Woodlawn. Anybody have thoughts on that?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:34 Larry Bingham

11:34

[Comment From Good griefGood grief: ]

The IB program is an amazing program. To help keep it sustainable they need to implement a high school that has this program as well. Bring on the language schools (more of them) do away with the transfer policy and make Jefferson a true high school

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:34 Good grief

11:34

[Comment From RobertRobert: ]

Trace, I hear that, but you aren't ever going to get to offer real feedback on their final proposal. As far as PPS is concerned, I'm sure they feel they have given you ample time for input. If they are to have changes in place by Fall 2013, they can't keep going back and forth to you. They've given you a number of options, and now what the parent groups should say is something to the effect of "We see your options, and see where you're going with this, and these are our final concerns" and hold them to that. By putting so many options out there, what they are really doing is dividing the stakeholders in these communities and the parent groups can present solidarity by co-authoring a letter of final demands.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:34 Robert

11:34

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

I agree with NoPoMom on immersion program expansion. Adding immersion to struggling schools could boost enrollement and capture rates. But it isn't on the table. Really, nithing to increase capture rates in the near future are on the table that I can see. and capture rates are the biggest problem.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:34 Guest

11:34

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Derry, site councils have no power that the Principal does not allow them to have. Staff control budgets, not site councils.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:34 Trace Salmon

11:35

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

Peninsula K - 8 should definitely be part of this conversation.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:35 NoPoMom

11:35

[Comment From IB parentIB parent: ]

I know at Vernon in particular, thousands and thousands of dollars are being spent on training teachers in a program that is ultimately ruining test scores. If you look at the beginning process of becoming an IB school, test scores have continued to plummet, while money is being spent to train staff on IB principles and how to implement it in the classrooms.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:35 IB parent

11:35

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Robert: I agree that we have to consider time. Our problem is we have no context on how these scenarios address the problem they posed on us. They give us "target" numbers, with many scenarios not even reaching those targets - some even worse than doing nothing at all. How are we to provide meaningful feedback to that?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:35 Andy

11:36

[Comment From IB parentIB parent: ]

As a parent at an IB school, it is a complete waste of money. It can't be properly implemented, especially when a school is failing. Administrators are embarrassed to have invested so much time and money into a program that clearly IS NOT working. Teacher morale is down, many have left because the demands are too high.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:36 IB parent

11:37

Nicole Dungca:

Hi Nick, I don't think anyone would doubt the Jefferson cluster is a cluster with some schools that have churned through a lot of changes and reforms, sometimes without any long-term plans (Ockley Green's grant drying up being an example). Some of that instability is likely one of the reasons for some of these high transfer rates.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:37 Nicole Dungca

11:37

[Comment From KK: ]

Just to clarify, what path would IB students take from the Jefferson cluster? Where would elementary PYP students find the Middle Years Programme and then find a high school IB program? Could they not complete the program in the Jefferson cluster?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:37 K

11:38

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

I don't feel IB is in any way at odds with raising achievement.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:38 Trace Salmon

11:38

[Comment From Good griefGood grief: ]

I'm a parent of a student in an IB school and I would beg to differ. I have seen the staff and the students address learning in a way that exemplifies life and how they will be able to address challenges in the workforce

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:38 Good grief

11:38

Nicole Dungca:

There's no high school IB program in this cluster, so they'd have to transfer to another school, K.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:38 Nicole Dungca

11:39

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

The lack of a plan for IB schools to feed to HS is another long-standing flaw in our mish-mash system.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:39 Trace Salmon

11:39

The Oregonian:

Hi folks, we've got five more minutes.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:39 The Oregonian

11:40

The Oregonian:

Enter any final questions you have.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:40 The Oregonian

11:40

[Comment From Wendy HallWendy Hall: ]

I find the requests for feedback disingenuous. So, if 30 people said we want a middle school, and they were all online and got one friend each to submit that same request via Facebook, PPS' website, etc., would that mean that all voices were heard? You can't do this without public dialogue. There needs to be MUCh more public dialogue, and that is going to take time. They are crunching this timeline into the holidays. How is this leaving room for the community to feel they got a chance to ask questions and give real feedback once their questions are answered?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:40 Wendy Hall

11:40

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Nicole: What HS does have IB? And would transfer be allowed on that basis?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:40 Guest

11:40

The Oregonian:

Here are IB options according to the PPS site: In addition to our two authorized IB high schools (Cleveland and Lincoln), we have four K-8 schools (King, Sabin, Skyline, and Vernon) working toward IB authorization in both the Middle Years Program and the Primary Years Program.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:40 The Oregonian

11:40

The Oregonian:

http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/curriculum/2433.htm

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:40 The Oregonian

11:41

[Comment From commitment to jeffersoncommitment to jefferson: ]

I am a parent with middle school students, and want to support Jefferson, but can see how PPS is NOT supporting Jefferson. There is no community buy-in, mostly because PPS will not invest in the future of that school. If my family decides to not send our children to Jefferson, our "new" high school is over 60 blocks away from our home, while the nearest high school is less than 20 blocks away. This is NOT equitable.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:41 commitment to jefferson

11:41

[Comment From Lluvia MerelloLluvia Merello: ]

Nicole, that is why we should be enhancing instead of closing these schools, or at the very least offer stability, or we will lose all those that have a choice to leave. I fear resulting in segregation

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:41 Lluvia Merello

11:41

[Comment From Jyothi GaddamJyothi Gaddam: ]

For me stability, strong core academics and focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education, with few language options would increase the draw. There is a huge demand for skilled workers and improving success in math and science I think would be helpful. Why is STEM not a focus?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:41 Jyothi Gaddam

11:41

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

There was a similar lack of continuity plan for Ockley's Focus Option when they closed / reorganized all three schools involved.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:41 Andy

11:42

[Comment From Derry jacksonDerry jackson: ]

Good Grief? Why hide? Perhaps you work for the district and thus may be in jeopardy. Your comments are valuable. I just wish I knew who was talking. I don't suspect the parents were that uncreative to curse you with such a legal name. You are right, nonetheless. All of our highschools should look and appear the same, save their school colors and mascots. And, yes, all should have the very highest offerings, if our children are going to remain competitive in this world.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:42 Derry jackson

11:42

[Comment From CliffordClifford: ]

Oregonian, your thinking on the ONI boundariess for the Humboldt Neighborhood is not correct.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:42 Clifford

11:42

Nicole Dungca:

Lluvia, I hear what you're saying. As people have said in this chat today, people are wondering how these specifically improve capture rates.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:42 Nicole Dungca

11:42

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

I've seen IB help teachers at King but it's been far less effective as something to attract students to our school in the short term. Addressing non-truths and perceptions that exist in the neighborhood about sending our kids to school with others who are very different from ourselves has been far more effective at attracting people to our school.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:42 Nick Fenger

11:43

Larry Bingham:

The IB issue is an interesting one and we should keep it in mind as we do follow-up stories. Thanks.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:43 Larry Bingham

11:43

The Oregonian:

Here are the NE Coalition boundaries.
http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/index.cfm?c=48711
Humbolt stops at NE Rodney, about a block or two in to Northeast,

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:43 The Oregonian

11:43

[Comment From RobertRobert: ]

Andy, that is what I am saying. You don't have enough time or resources to weigh all of the options. PPS has info at their fingertips that the parents don't have, and when parents run around in circles talking about capture rates, building capacity, immersion programs, etc., issues get diluted and no real answers are reached. Hence my suggestion for a join letter from the parent groups that list their requirements of a final proposal. That will give the school board a solid reference point that they are satisfying the parents' desires.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:43 Robert

11:43

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Being an IB K-8 won't guarantee you a spot in an IB HS

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:43 Trace Salmon

11:43

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

I also think that parents should be advocating for their kids(totally appropriate and correct thing to do), but also within a framework that reinforces the overall goals of the school district -- without that, we will just keep spinning our wheels as a community as we continually second guess approaches and implementations. I know everyone likes "school choice" but let's not confuse "choice" for academic necessity and "convenience" for program preference. I would like all students to have good program choices, but frankly, if you want a particular program for your child that is not part of the standard PPS offering (which can be quite broad actually), that's what the private school system is there to support. The gutting of the neighborhood schools has to stop. It's not good for long-term academic achievement, nor frankly, is it good for the economy which continues to be depressed by low real estate values. I think it's important for parents to input, but I also think it's important for educators and education professionals to be allowed to do their jobs. I go to a certified mechanic to fix my car, not my neighbor down the street who happens to have a car. Parents should definitely influence decisions, but I am strongly against parent-designed decisions when we all know a good number of the parents of students are not involved in this conversation and may not be served by the results.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:43 Nova Newcomer

11:43

Larry Bingham:

Clifford, I'll chat with Casey Parks, who covers North for us and maybe we can split Humboldt or something.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:43 Larry Bingham

11:44

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Jyothi, if we had another magnet, that is what I could support. Otherwise, saturation with magnets does away with neighborhood schools concept.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:44 Trace Salmon

11:44

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

Again, Trace nails it. This is not just about kids and education. This is about building successful communities. I, for one, want a strong Ockley Green (middle school or not) because it's a short walk from my house, but if that doesn't serve to build up the community, I can concede that individual preference. Comment From Trace Salmon We want higher capture rates not only to raise enrollment, which it may not do everywhere, but to create more community investment in our local institutions and make for walkable, connected neighborhoods.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:44 Nova Newcomer

11:44

[Comment From Good griefGood grief: ]

I'm Heather a parent from King School

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:44 Good grief

11:44

[Comment From Jeff Miholer, CJ PTAJeff Miholer, CJ PTA: ]

Nicole, You mention comments you've heard from CJ parents about being uprooted. We have a VERY high rate of parent involvement at CJ. Parents run the copy machine so teachers can teach; parents run an art team that takes projects from classroom to classroom with no hassle for the teachers; parents run after school arts and science classes.... We've been working this year to get baby / toddler / preschooler families to swap playdates to free up parents of young families to come in to volunteer. We have a great thing, but it took YEARS to build - trust with the staff, a welcoming culture, good infrastructure to coordinate. Moving people around hits the reset button on all of that. Kids don't get the short-term benefit of having parents around and lose the long-term benefit of parents who are fully-engaged. That's the fear - that's the concern about the instability.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:44 Jeff Miholer, CJ PTA

11:44

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

We need quality STEM in all of our neighborhood schools. Why shouldn't we have this for everyone, it's their future?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:44 Nick Fenger

11:45

[Comment From NoPoMomNoPoMom: ]

Has the district *explained* why they couldn't provide even rough financials to go along w/ their scenarios?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:45 NoPoMom

11:45

[Comment From Good griefGood grief: ]

It all brings us back to the fact that the jefferson cluster is a farse. Every school has a different high school to go to . We need to either put all this BS aside or we need to address the real problems. a sustainable solution is either making us a true jefferson cluster or saying goodbye.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:45 Good grief

11:45

Nicole Dungca:

Thanks, Jeff, for adding that to the conversation.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:45 Nicole Dungca

11:45

[Comment From IB ParentIB Parent: ]

We have been told over and over and over again that there is NO WAY we will be able to transfer into either Cleveland or Lincoln. Just another example of throwing a program at a poor school without proper support and implementation. PPS does NOT care about the N/NE schools, we don't have the money or the resources to have our voices heard - or haven't. BUT NOW, I'm encouraged and hopeful with the number of parents speaking out and standing up for our students.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:45 IB Parent

11:45

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

Thanks for this comment, Andy. It's spot on. Comment From Andy Mf: It's a focus option with a program that was severely hindered at the start with change in configuration and funding. It was never brought to a sustainable level before it had to "attract" students. My concern is this pattern could repeat with schools having to "fend for themselves" before changes can gel and populations stabilize or improve.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:45 Nova Newcomer

11:45

[Comment From Derry jacksonDerry jackson: ]

Trace, that is precisely how the admin has usurp the power the legislature granted us as citizens. They have been flouting the law. What happens if you drive with a cell phone in your ear? A ticket! A lesson I just learned. Let us enforce the law, and take the power back.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:45 Derry jackson

11:45

[Comment From RobertRobert: ]

Nova and Trace, just want to say that I agree with your comments!

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:45 Robert

11:46

[Comment From CliffordClifford: ]

To memorialize a cluster of Portland schools in the name of a Virginian slave driver and race supremacists (Thomas Jefferson) is questionable. Not healthy for the community.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:46 Clifford

11:46

Nicole Dungca:

NoPoMom, officials said these are rough proposals and they're going to have more data with the next round. For parents who are eager for details as soon as possible, this is obviously very frustrating.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:46 Nicole Dungca

11:46

The Oregonian:

Ok, folks we have to wrap up.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:46 The Oregonian

11:46

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

I want a strong Ockley (MS or otherwise) because there are NO neighborhood options in the neighborhoods bordered between N. Interstate and NE MLK until you go all the way down towards Boise-Eliot. That speaks to what Trace has been saying about anchoring the communities with good schools.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:46 Andy

11:46

[Comment From Jyothi GaddamJyothi Gaddam: ]

Agree with Nick. Trace why call it a magnet. If there is a middle school, why not have one focussed on STEM?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:46 Jyothi Gaddam

11:47

The Oregonian:

I want to thank you all for your thoughtful questions and patience and civil tone.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:47 The Oregonian

11:47

Larry Bingham:

Thanks for all the great questions and comments. Everyone knows there's a public meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at Faubion to weigh in, right?

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:47 Larry Bingham

11:47

The Oregonian:

I'd like to thank Nicole and Larry for taking the time away from deadlines to discuss these issues live with the community.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:47 The Oregonian

11:47

Nicole Dungca:

Just in case this wasn't clear, all the proposals would include getting rid of Ockley's magnet status and making it a neighborhood school instead.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:47 Nicole Dungca

11:48

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

Agree. Comment From commitment to jefferson I am a parent with middle school students, and want to support Jefferson, but can see how PPS is NOT supporting Jefferson. There is no community buy-in, mostly because PPS will not invest in the future of that school. If my family decides to not send our children to Jefferson, our "new" high school is over 60 blocks away from our home, while the nearest high school is less than 20 blocks away. This is NOT equitable.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:48 Nova Newcomer

11:48

[Comment From Jyothi GaddamJyothi Gaddam: ]

Tubman Girls Lead would be happy to continue the conversation.. We are hoping to host a dialogue with the district.. stay tuned.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:48 Jyothi Gaddam

11:48

[Comment From Trace SalmonTrace Salmon: ]

Clifford, short of a ballot intiative, you'll not get what you want.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:48 Trace Salmon

11:48

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

If you look at the history of magnets, they were never designed to pull form a small area. Drawing from the entire city so this won't happen would take good marketing. I fear another magnet in our neighborhoods that draw from our neighborhoods.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:48 Nick Fenger

11:49

The Oregonian:

If folk can take a moment to do a poll that asks you how you heard about this chat.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:49 The Oregonian

11:49

[Comment From Jeff Miholer, CJ PTAJeff Miholer, CJ PTA: ]

Nicole, Larry, Thanks for doing this today and thank you for the ongoing attention. Best wishes!

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:49 Jeff Miholer, CJ PTA

11:49

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

Joint letter plan is the way to go, but needs to involve more parent voices and experiences to be valid. Comment From Robert Andy, that is what I am saying. You don't have enough time or resources to weigh all of the options. PPS has info at their fingertips that the parents don't have, and when parents run around in circles talking about capture rates, building capacity, immersion programs, etc., issues get diluted and no real answers are reached. Hence my suggestion for a join letter from the parent groups that list their requirements of a final proposal. That will give the school board a solid reference point that they are satisfying the parents' desires.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:49 Nova Newcomer

11:49

How did you hear about this live chat?
Saw it on OregonLIve

( 25% )

Saw it in The Oregonian

( 8% )

Got invited by an email

( 0% )

Social media

( 67% )

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:49

11:49

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

I believe this is what Tubman was asking for.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:49 Nick Fenger

11:49

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

Tubman Young Women's cadem

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:49 Nick Fenger

11:50

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

Tubman Young Women's Academy that is.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:50 Nick Fenger

11:50

The Oregonian:

Thanks so much. Your responses will help us to provide more of these chats to you in the future.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:50 The Oregonian

11:50

[Comment From Nova NewcomerNova Newcomer: ]

100% agree -- I want this voice loud and clear in any parental feedback. Comment From Andy I want a strong Ockley (MS or otherwise) because there are NO neighborhood options in the neighborhoods bordered between N. Interstate and NE MLK until you go all the way down towards Boise-Eliot. That speaks to what Trace has been saying about anchoring the communities with good schools.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:50 Nova Newcomer

11:50

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

Ultimately the draw of magnets (I think) isn't about the magnet itself, it's the absence of excellent programs in our own schools. If I could've sent my kids to a successful neighborhood program (that might also happen to have some dedication towards arts and technology) I would've gone in a heartbeat.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:50 Andy

11:51

Nicole Dungca:

Thanks, everyone. We'll continue following this through, so get in touch if you have story ideas.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:51 Nicole Dungca

11:51

[Comment From Good griefGood grief: ]

Andy, but you could, you can. These schools exist.

Wednesday December 5, 2012 11:51 Good grief

11:51

[Comment From Nick FengerNick Fenger: ]

Spot on Andy!