Oregon Public Broadcasting

Some of Oregon’s most troubled schools are choosing to forego a chance at millions of dollars that the federal government is offering - for a price. To earn the money, the schools would have to make big changes.

These are the rules: if you’re among the worst five-percent of schools in the state and you’re willing to pursue one of  four restructuring options, you could get up to $2 million a year. 



Seven troubled schools in Portland and Salem are applying for the money. And they’ve committed to following one of the major steps – such as re-opening as a charter school, or making wholesale changes to school schedules and teacher training. 



But at least five Oregon schools won’t chase the money. 

Alternative schools in Centennial and North Clackamas aren’t taking part. Centennial officials are appealing their listing as a “worst-performing” school.

There are also two charter schools – in Fern Ridge and Eugene – that aren’t participating. One official said the changes don’t fit with charter school rules. 



But alternative and charter programs elsewhere in Oregon are taking part.  
 
Participating schools have to submit their specific turnaround plans later this spring.