As a strong supporter of public education, I believe that well-designed, contemporary school buildings foster both staff and student safety and academic success. Grim, aging high school campuses are discouraging to everyone. Although I will be voting on a $1.83 billion bond measure that includes $1.15 billion to modernize three high schools, I find it frustrating to witness the results of neglected maintenance and deteriorating infrastructure in and around my kindergarten grandchild’s 100-year-old Northeast Portland elementary school.
The Portland Public Schools board may now have meaningful discussions about construction decisions and general principles and values thanks to the Cornerstone Management Group’s study (Trim costly high school designs to achieve PPS bond passage, Feb. 2). I have only ever voted against a PPS bond once, questioning the necessity presented to the electorate. After that bond failed, the district came back the next year with a more reasonable request, which I was happy to back.
Although the majority of Portlanders wish to support our public schools, the board shouldn’t presume that we are passive.
Portland’s Julie Young
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