--- title: "Frequently Asked Questions (web page)" source_url: "https://www.pps.net/about/portland-public-schools-information/rightsize/frequently-asked-questions" linked_from: "https://www.pps.net/about/portland-public-schools-information/rightsize/scenarios (In This Section navigation)" retrieved: 2026-10-12 document_type: "Web page (HTML)" page_count: n/a sha256: 52b42317132ea721f76e0bdc57faa1d73d5ee339495149787e5e4d495b48bd53 extraction_method: "Raw HTML fetched with curl; main content region (id=fsPageContent) converted to Markdown with a custom html.parser script" --- # Frequently Asked Questions (web page) Unofficial text extraction of a public PPS document for accessibility and research. May contain extraction errors; consult the original at https://www.pps.net/about/portland-public-schools-information/rightsize/frequently-asked-questions. ## Frequently Asked Questions *Part of the Rightsize. Right Support. Right for Students. process.* This page is your central resource for answers to common questions about the rightsizing process, including what to expect, how decisions are made, and how this work may impact students and communities. The FAQ section is updated weekly as new questions emerge through community engagement, click the “+” icons to expand and view responses. If you don’t see your question here, we invite you to [submit one here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0EE-BT_JPB9a_3amoPxvMdM4KGtp4rEyyTxD6vuY2-3u4mQ/viewform?usp=header). You can also stay connected by sharing your email address to receive updates, engagement opportunities, and key milestones throughout the process. For general feedback or inquiries, please contact the team at [**Rightsizing@pps.net**](mailto:Rightsizing@pps.net). ## Frequently Asked Questions October 1, 2026 - [What are the key factors that led to the district considering merging schools/programs?](#fs-panel-306611) - [Could closing schools push even more families to leave the school district? ](#fs-panel-306614) - [When would changes happen?](#fs-panel-306616) - [What research or best practices are being used to guide school closures and boundary changes? ](#fs-panel-306618) - [What extra help and support will be provided for families and students impacted by closures or boundary changes? ](#fs-panel-306620) - [What are the core rules (guiding principles) being used to decide which schools to consolidate or close?](#fs-panel-306622) - [Will certain regions or neighborhoods in the city be impacted more than others?](#fs-panel-306624) - [When will we know which schools may be affected? ](#fs-panel-306626) - [How will class sizes, teacher counts, and support staff (like counselors) change at remaining schools? ](#fs-panel-306628) - [How will school mergers lead to greater sustainability and stability? ](#fs-panel-306630) ## [What are the key factors that led to the district considering merging schools/programs?](#fs-panel-306611) [] Birth rates in Portland dropped by 30% over the last decade ([Population Research Center, PSU](https://www.pdx.edu/population-research/)), leaving many school buildings underenrolled. Combining smaller programs can help create larger, more stable schools with more comparable programming and staffing across the city. ## [Could closing schools push even more families to leave the school district? ](#fs-panel-306614) [] Data from past district changes shows that more than 93% of families stayed with PPS and moved to nearby public schools. We also looked closely at changes affecting Bridger Creative Science. Rightsizing intended to create more stable, sustainable, and well-resourced schools that families want to remain part of. ## [When would changes happen?](#fs-panel-306616) [] Implementation of Board approved changes will begin no later than the 2027-28 school year and will be completed within three years. PPS will use the time before implementation to support students, staff, and school communities through the transition. A full implementation timeline will be shared publicly before the Board makes a final decision. ## [What research or best practices are being used to guide school closures and boundary changes? ](#fs-panel-306618) [] PPS is drawing from national research, state guidance, and lessons learned from districts including Denver, Seattle, and Austin. In addition, PPS also commissioned an Equity Audit of its most recent district-led balancing initiative, Southeast Enrollment and Program Balancing. Those findings can be found on the [SEGC Documents page](https://www.pps.net/fs/pages/46802). ## [What extra help and support will be provided for families and students impacted by closures or boundary changes? ](#fs-panel-306620) [] PPS will provide additional support to help students, families, and staff through any changes. This will include transition planning with affected school communities, with a focus on helping students feel welcomed, connected, and ready for their new school. Specific supports will be based on the needs of each community and will be developed in collaboration with affected students, families, and staff. ## [What are the core rules (guiding principles) being used to decide which schools to consolidate or close?](#fs-panel-306622) [] On May 26, 2026, the Board adopted four guiding principles for Rightsizing: create sustainable and well-resourced schools; support safe and healthy learning environments; maintain a strong network of neighborhood schools while balancing educational options; and use the [PPS Equity Lens](https://www.pps.net/fs/pages/22253) to center students most impacted by inequities. No single factor will determine whether a school is changed or closed. ## [Will certain regions or neighborhoods in the city be impacted more than others?](#fs-panel-306624) [] Impacts may not be the same in every part of the city because enrollment, building use, programs, and school locations vary across Portland. PPS will look at impacts across the district, use the [Racial Equity Lens](https://www.pps.net/fs/pages/22253) to understand whether some students or communities would be affected more than others, and work to mitigate those impacts. ## [When will we know which schools may be affected? ](#fs-panel-306626) [] Possible scenarios will be shared publicly in early October before a final recommendation is made. Families, students, staff, and communities will have opportunities to review the scenarios, ask questions, and provide feedback before the Board votes. ## [How will class sizes, teacher counts, and support staff (like counselors) change at remaining schools? ](#fs-panel-306628) [] Rightsizing does not change class size expectations. Instead, it is intended to create conditions for more stable staffing and a more consistent student experience. Bringing together under-enrolled programs can also help schools provide more consistent access to art, physical education, music, library, counseling and other student supports. ## [How will school mergers lead to greater sustainability and stability? ](#fs-panel-306630) [] Bringing students together can create stronger, more consistent school experiences. Schools with more stable enrollment may be better able to offer a wider range of classes, programs, activities, and student supports, while creating more stable staffing over time. This can give students more consistent access to the opportunities and relationships that support learning and belonging. ## Frequently Asked Questions September 15, 2026 - [What main problems is the district trying to solve with this process?](#fs-panel-286428) - [Why did the district spend money moving programs around if enrollment was already dropping?](#fs-panel-286430) - [Is there a plan to ask state leaders for better, more reliable school funding?](#fs-panel-286432) ## [What main problems is the district trying to solve with this process?](#fs-panel-286428) [] Fewer children are being enrolled in Portland Public Schools due to a number of factors. When enrollment drops, staffing and resources can become spread too thin, which can lead to fewer programs, more part-time staff, and different student experiences from school to school.Through Rightsizing, the district is working to increase stability in staffing, balance resources and improve the student learning experience across the city, especially for historically underserved students. ## [Why did the district spend money moving programs around if enrollment was already dropping?](#fs-panel-286430) [] Past changes were made to balance student enrollment across local neighborhoods and make better use of building spaces and resources. Our current Rightsizing process takes a broader, long-term look across the entire city to create lasting stability, balance and sustainability. ## [Is there a plan to ask state leaders for better, more reliable school funding?](#fs-panel-286432) [] Yes, district leaders regularly work with state lawmakers to advocate for stronger public school funding. At the same time, PPS must balance its current budget with available state funding. - [Are schools being closed? ](#fs-panel-286435) - [What is the step-by-step timeline, and when will the school Board share a final plan?](#fs-panel-286437) - [Who makes the final decision?](#fs-panel-286439) - [How will teacher transfers, job changes, or layoffs be handled?](#fs-panel-286441) - [What will happen to empty school buildings after they close down?](#fs-panel-286443) ## [Are schools being closed? ](#fs-panel-286435) [] No final decisions have been made. School closures are among several options being studied, along with changes to boundaries, programs, and how buildings are used. The school board will make a final decision in December. ## [What is the step-by-step timeline, and when will the school Board share a final plan?](#fs-panel-286437) [] The Superintendent will share draft plans with the school board in early fall 2026 and will provide a formal recommendation to the board in November. The board will then vote in December after community input, and school changes will begin taking effect in fall 2027. ## [Who makes the final decision?](#fs-panel-286439) [] The Superintendent will make a recommendation after reviewing data and community feedback. The school board will make the final decision in a public meeting in December. ## [How will teacher transfers, job changes, or layoffs be handled?](#fs-panel-286441) [] Any staffing changes will follow PPS collective bargaining agreements and established district processes. Human Resources will provide more information and guidance to employees as decisions are made and implementation planning moves forward. ## [What will happen to empty school buildings after they close down?](#fs-panel-286443) [] If a school closes, PPS will develop a plan for how the building could be used in the future. This work will include community input and follow school board policies for the use or sale of district property. - [How will budget data, building safety, and earthquake risks factor into which schools close?](#fs-panel-286446) - [How will new school boundaries and attendance maps be drawn?](#fs-panel-286448) - [How does closing neighborhood schools fit with the district's equity goals?](#fs-panel-286451) ## [How will budget data, building safety, and earthquake risks factor into which schools close?](#fs-panel-286446) [] PPS will consider many types of information, including but not limited to enrollment, building use, operating costs, building condition, and earthquake risk. Building condition and safety information will help PPS understand the benefits, challenges, and investments connected to each scenario, but no single measure will determine whether a school closes. ## [How will new school boundaries and attendance maps be drawn?](#fs-panel-286448) [] If boundaries need to change, PPS will look at where students live, school size and space, programs, transportation, and how students move through schools from elementary to high school. PPS will also review the equity impacts of proposed boundaries and gather community feedback before final decisions are made. ## [How does closing neighborhood schools fit with the district's equity goals?](#fs-panel-286451) [] Every plan is reviewed using the PPS Racial Equity Lens. - [How will specialized programs—like Dual Language Immersion (DLI), Special Education, and TAG—be impacted and protected?](#fs-panel-286456) - [How will the district make sure resources are spread fairly so no group of students is left behind?](#fs-panel-286458) ## [How will specialized programs—like Dual Language Immersion (DLI), Special Education, and TAG—be impacted and protected?](#fs-panel-286456) [] We look at specialized programs as full learning experiences from PK-12, not just single classrooms. No matter which changes are recommended, PPS will make sure every student gets the required services and support they need. ## [How will the district make sure resources are spread fairly so no group of students is left behind?](#fs-panel-286458) [] Every plan is reviewed using the [PPS Racial Equity Lens](https://www.pps.net/departments/racial-equity-social-justice/racial-equity-social-justice-lens). - [How will the district inform and gather input from the community about potential closures and boundary changes?](#fs-panel-286461) - [Where can parents find simple, clear updates on key dates and decision points?](#fs-panel-286463) - [How are student voices and ideas being gathered and included in this process?](#fs-panel-286465) ## [How will the district inform and gather input from the community about potential closures and boundary changes?](#fs-panel-286461) [] PPS will share scenarios, maps, data, and updates publicly and provide several ways for students, families, staff, and community members to give input. Feedback gathered through meetings, surveys, and other engagement will be reviewed as scenarios are studied and refined before the Superintendent makes a recommendation to the school board in November. ## [Where can parents find simple, clear updates on key dates and decision points?](#fs-panel-286463) [] Families can visit [pps.net/rightsizing](http://pps.net/rightsizing) for regular updates, key dates, and important resources. News updates are also shared through school newsletters and emails from the district. ## [How are student voices and ideas being gathered and included in this process?](#fs-panel-286465) [] Student feedback is gathered through the District Student Council, the Student Voice Advisory Committee, and school listening sessions. Their input on school climate, student experience, and programs help guide school board decisions and implementation planning. Additionally, there is a student representative on the Portland Public School Board. ## Frequently Asked Questions April 26, 2026 - [What is “rightsizing,” and why is PPS doing this now?](#fs-panel-279132) - [Are you closing schools right now?](#fs-panel-279128) - [How will decisions be made?](#fs-panel-279130) - [How does this support equity and well-resourced schools?](#fs-panel-279122) - [Update on Educator Furlough Agreement for March 22, 2026](#fs-panel-279124) - [How can families, staff, and community members be involved?](#fs-panel-279126) ## [What is “rightsizing,” and why is PPS doing this now?](#fs-panel-279132) [] Rightsizing is how we align schools, programs, and resources with where students are today, and where we’re headed. This work was directed by the PPS Board of Education to address declining enrollment, rising costs, and ensure every student has access to a well-resourced, high-quality school experience. ## [Are you closing schools right now?](#fs-panel-279128) [] No decisions have been made. Rightsizing includes a range of possibilities, such as program changes, boundary adjustments, and how we use our buildings. This phase is focused on listening, learning, and exploring options before any recommendations are developed. ## [How will decisions be made?](#fs-panel-279130) [] Decisions will be guided by data, community input, and clear principles, ensuring strong programs, equitable access, stable school communities, and responsible use of resources. No single factor will drive decisions; it’s about balancing what is best for students across the system. ## [How does this support equity and well-resourced schools?](#fs-panel-279122) [] When enrollment is uneven and resources are spread thin, students can have very different experiences from school to school. Rightsizing helps us better align resources so that every student, regardless of where they live, has access to strong programs, supports, and opportunities. ## [Update on Educator Furlough Agreement for March 22, 2026](#fs-panel-279124) [] **Dear PPS Staff, Families, and Community,** We want to share an important update regarding recent discussions between Portland Public Schools (PPS) and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT). PAT members have voted to ratify a [**Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7FhiSZwHulEp7Q_r_iCkw_4zPpqaDTP/view?usp=sharing) that includes four furlough days for the remainder of the 2025–26 school year. This agreement reflects a shared effort to address the district’s current budget shortfall while maintaining stability in our schools. As outlined in the agreement, the designated furlough days are: - May 1, 2026 - May 25, 2026 - June 9, 2026 - June 10, 2026 Furlough days are unpaid and no work will occur on those days. Importantly, this agreement allows the district to avoid educator layoffs for the 2025–26 school year. This agreement also includes several adjustments to the school calendar and work schedules for the remainder of the year, including: - Moving the final student day to **June 5, 2026** - Shifting planning and grading schedules to accommodate instructional time - Converting previously scheduled **late start/early release days (April 22 and May 13)** into full instructional days PPS recognize that furloughs represent a real impact for our educators and school communities. At the same time, this decision reflects a collective effort to protect classroom continuity and minimize disruption for students during a challenging financial period. The MOU will be brought forward to the PPS Board for final ratification and voted on during the **March 31** board meeting. We will continue to share updates and provide additional information, including calendar adjustments and implementation details, through our centralized[ **bargaining updates page.**](https://www.pps.net/about/pps-bargaining) As always, our focus remains on supporting students, maintaining stability in our schools, and navigating this moment with transparency and care. **PPS Bargaining Communications** Portland Public Schools ## [How can families, staff, and community members be involved?](#fs-panel-279126) [] Community voice is a critical part of this process. There will be multiple opportunities to engage, including community sessions, surveys, and feedback tools. This website will serve as the central hub for updates, timelines, and ways to participate.