Just weeks after favoring a streamlined bond proposal of no more than $600 million, the Portland Public Schools board reversed course to reconsider placing a $1-billion bond measure on the ballot that includes $320 million for a new Jefferson High School, one of the district’s most outdated high schools and Oregon’s high school most attended by black students. The board met virtually June 2 due to COVID-19 social distancing standards and amidst a national conversation on equality and race.
“We have an opportunity as a group to work toward getting a shovel in the ground and recognizing that vision this community has envisioned for 50 years,” says Michelle DePass, the only black member of the school board. “This is a defining moment for us as a district. This is such a great opportunity for us to lead. We can actually say we are going to help black kids and expect high things from black kids.”