Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon's public school enrollment is up for the ninth time in ten years.  Andrew Theen reports.

The state numbers reflect what is becoming a trend: a growing Latino student presence statewide, and rapid growth in central Oregon, the Portland suburbs, and the Salem-Keizer school district.

Portland public schools saw enrollment drop for the 10th straight year.

Nicole Kaufman is with the Hillsboro School District, which is growing quickly, and Kaufman says her district is already addressing overcrowding.

Nicole Kaufman: "In the 2008-2009 school year we're going to open three new elementary schools, and in the 09-10 school year we're going to open a fourth elementary school and a replacement middle school."

Kaufman says the district has a Hispanic Outreach office to help students acclimate and feel welcome. 

Officials with the state's superintendent's office say the decade long trend of increasing Hispanic population is "a big big deal" and highlights the need for more teacher preparation.