The condition of our schools isn’t a problem. It’s a crisis.
Our schools are in trouble. After years of inadequate money for repairs and updating, the physical condition of our schools and classrooms threaten our children’s safety and education. And further state funding cuts threaten the loss of hundreds of teachers.
Fortunately, we can do something about it, by voting YES on the Portland Public Schools bond and levy on the May ballot.
Portland Public Schools buildings average 65 years of age. PPS has had no bond for repairs and upgrades for over a decade. The result: our schools have severe safety issues, structural problems and out of date learning environments that cannot support a modern education. Buildings don’t meet earthquake safety codes. Many are heated by boilers from the 1950’s that use a piece of string as their fire safety switch. Piping leaks asbestos and mold into some hallways and classrooms requiring cancer warnings signs to be posted in the schools. The electrical wiring doesn’t support modern technology. There are leaks everywhere. (more…)
YES for Schools Spotlight
In our latest TV ad, PPS parent Kim explains the situation in our schools and how we need to vote YES for our schools.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Be sure to find a creative way to say thanks to your teachers for their hard work and dedication to our kids.
This week, we’re highlighting one teacher who has given so much time to the Portland Schools Campaign and has worked tirelessly with students across the city. Suzanne Cohen is a science and math teacher and Peninsula Elementary. She works tirelessly in her school even though she lacks adequate space, science labs and she has to deal with a loud boiler that makes her classroom sweltering.
This week there is no better way to show appreciation for your child’s teacher, or your favorite teacher when you were a student by voting YES on 26-121 and 26-122 – let’s give them the safety they need and the working conditions they deserve.
