Oregon Public Broadcasting

Benson Polytechnic High School students walked out of class Tuesday afternoon. They were protesting the new Portland Public Schools redesign plan. OPB’s Sam Sanders reports.

10th grade Benson student Spencer Paxton marched out of class with hundreds of her classmates.

She’s upset about the proposal that would convert her high school to a two-year career-tech center.

Spencer Paxton: “I love Benson, I love coming here. I actually look forward to it, which you normally don’t hear. I would have to go to my neighborhood school, which I do not wanna do."

Under the new redesign, she’d have to go to a different school. She could only attend Benson part-time.

Benson’s principal, Steve Olczak, allowed the students to protest. He said students have a right to dissent and express their opinions.

Students gathered on the front steps of the school, as they chanted and waved signs.

The entire walkout was organized via text message.