…this time, for a discussion about declining enrollment in Portland Public Schools.

The authors (both mothers of preschoolers) wonder if one possibility - shuttering small neighborhood schools - only further hastens the exodus of parents with children. I suggested in the comments that it’s the liberal transfer policy (and to be upfront, it’s one I’ve taken advantage of) and rise of special-focus schools that’s led to school ‘neighborhoods’ that are much more permeable - and that permeability may be what will help stem the tide.

We all have one thing in common: a desire to send our kids to a strong, urban, diverse public school system. The question is - will Portland Public Schools be that place? And does it have to be at the expense of the local neighborhood school?

Related posts:

1. Wouldn’t Fewer School Districts Help Our School Funding?
2. Another Williams/Edling Land Grab in the Making
3. iTax, rev 2
4. One in three
5. Proposed PPS school overhaul in the works