School Closures Spark Teacher Backlash | Portland News

Portland Public Schools is eyeing the closure of up to 20 schools—elementary, K-8, and middle—as enrollment plummets and resources strain. But teachers are furious: despite a 10% drop in students, staff cuts have been minimal, meaning closures would crush already overworked educators. Union leaders slam the district for approving a superintendent’s pay raise while threatening thousands of jobs, calling it a betrayal. While officials say short-term savings won’t materialize and long-term gains hinge on consolidation, the union demands more input and alternative cost-cutting before shuttering classrooms—and warns the board they’ll hold this decision against them in contract talks. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c6d8f96efa2d51dd