Copyright The Oregonian
Jefferson High School is transitioning from a focused program to a comprehensive high school, yet Portland Public Schools plans to end dual enrollment before this modernization is complete, (“Families in N, NE Portland face shake-up in where children go to high school; see the 5 scenarios,” Oct. 18). This means Jefferson students will be required to attend a school that does not yet offer the full academic and extracurricular opportunities found at other Portland high schools. Currently, Jefferson has only 391 students - far below the 1,100 that PPS says are needed to sustain comprehensive programming. Without additional support, there will be a two-year gap where Jefferson cannot offer the same range of classes, electives and activities other high schools enjoy. For example, there are zero Advanced Placement courses offered at Jefferson today. Under one of the scenarios, students from more affluent neighborhoods would attend Grant High School. This would affect both enrollment and resources for Jefferson, deepening inequities that have persisted for decades. Under one of the scenarios, students from more affluent neighborhoods who now choose between Jefferson and Grant would automatically attend Grant High School. This would affect both enrollment and resources at Jefferson, deepening inequities that have persisted for decades. If PPS moves forward with this plan, the district must ensure that funding follows the mission, not the demographics. Jefferson deserves the same investment and programming as any other Portland high school - not less because of who remains in the building. Jefferson’s students should not bear the burden of transition. They deserve a full, comprehensive education now - not two years from now. Josh Levine, Portland
