In a bid to address the deteriorating condition of Markham Elementary and Robert Gray Middle schools, Portland Public School (PPS) leaders have unveiled a plan to relocate students temporarily. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from parents, who are skeptical about the effectiveness of the solution in the already overcrowded classrooms.

Starting Tuesday, students from Markham Elementary will be bussed to four different schools: Maplewood, Hayhurst, Capitol Hill, and Rieke Elementary Schools. Students from Robert Gray Middle will be shifted to Jackson Middle School. To ensure continuity and support during the transition, each group of relocated students will be accompanied by two educators and a roaming educator.

Despite the efforts made by PPS, some parents have raised concerns about the impact on classroom sizes and the absence of a concrete plan for accommodating additional students. With kindergarten classrooms already accommodating 33 students, parents are worried about the strain on teachers and the potential disruptions to the learning environment.

One parent, expressing their frustration, emphasized the need for upgrading the schools' infrastructure rather than relocating students, highlighting the lack of foresight on behalf of school leaders. Inspections at both Markham Elementary and Robert Gray Middle schools revealed multiple issues, including broken water lines, fallen ceiling tiles, and damaged floors in classrooms and the gymnasium.

School leaders acknowledged that these problems could have been avoided with sufficient funding for maintenance and improvements. However, the district's inadequate budget has forced them to prioritize classroom support over infrastructure investment. Andrew Scott, a PPS board member, pointed out the difficult position they find themselves in when the state budget leaves little room for both maintenance and sufficient classroom resources.

As the relocation plan is implemented, it will disrupt the regular schedule and after-school programs at both schools. PPS is working with non-profit organizations to develop a plan that may include transportation options for the affected students. Despite concerns about classroom space, portable classrooms are not being considered as a solution.

PPS aims to recover the construction costs through FEMA funding and plans to release a construction timeline later this week. The district is hopeful that Markham Elementary and Robert Gray Middle schools can reopen as early as February 19th. However, until then, students will begin attending their temporary campuses starting Tuesday.

Acknowledging the impact of missed instruction time, PPS assured parents that they are working on a plan to restore the lost class hours. Collaboration with district staff, the Oregon Department of Education, and the school board is underway to formulate a feasible approach.

The relocation and subsequent closure of Markham Elementary and Robert Gray Middle schools have left many parents and students feeling uncertain and emotional. The disruption to their routines and the loss of faith in the education system are significant concerns. PPS aims to address these issues while ensuring a conducive learning environment for the affected students during this challenging transition period.