Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland’s school superintendent has proposed major changes to two high school campuses.

Superintendent Carole Smith has recommended closing the three small school programs on the Marshall High School campus in outer Southeast Portland.

The career-oriented program at Benson High would turn into a part-time program for juniors and seniors – meaning students would get their general education classes at their neighborhood school.

The changes would take place for Fall 2011, but students could opt into their new schools earlier than that.

Portland Public Schools seriously evaluated closing up to three schools. Other scenarios included possible closure of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Marshall or Roosevelt, in different combinations.

In its pursuit of equity, the district plans to offer equivalent course offerings at all the schools – including about ten Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes. But the district says in order for the changes to pencil out financially, schools will need outside investment.

One big change that’ll affect all students, if the board follows through on the superintendent’s proposal, is that students would only be allowed to transfer out of their neighborhood high school into a focus, or magnet program.

There’s only going to be one new magnet program –  on the Marshall campus. What program will go there hasn’t been decided, but officials say it’ll be limited to 500 students.

A final decision on the superintendent’s recommendation is scheduled for June 21st.