Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland's Jefferson High School is back on the chopping block.

The Portland School Board met last night to discuss a redesign plan for the district's high schools. And most board members agreed that Jefferson should close. Amelia Templeton reports.

Jefferson is Portland's only majority African American school.

Jefferson parents who attended the board meeting said the news hit like a sucker punch.

Julie Rodgers is an alumni of the school. And her special needs son is planning on attending Jefferson next year.

Julie Rodgers: "When I told him about it last night he cried. He wants to go to a school where he is accepted."

Board Chair Trudy Sergeant says that Portland can't provide a quality education at eight neighborhood schools given the state's projected budget shortfalls.

Rodgers and other parents are planning to protest the decision, and are discussing legal options as well.

The school board is scheduled to take a final vote on a redesign proposal for the district on June 21st.