Podcasts about Portland Public Schools

Last week, Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong announced her plan to end Jefferson High School's “dual-enrollment policy”—which allows families in its boundaries to choose between Jefferson or nearby Grant, Roosevelt, or McDaniel high schools instead. Translation? No more school choice for families in North Portland, choices they have enjoyed since 2011. As Willamette Week's reporter put it directly, “PPS Considers Requiring Students in Jefferson Catchment to Attend the School.”It seems, now that Jefferson has a half-billion dollars to build a “world-class school” with capacity for 1,700 students, fewer than 400 students will cut the ribbon on opening day, according to Portland State University's Population Research Center Enrollment Forecast for 2033-34.Ms. Armstrong's May 29 Memo proposes tackling the problem by ending these options for nearly 2,000 students who currently attend neighboring high schools. The School Board will study and decide on this required attendance at Jefferson by the fall of 2026.Until now, Jefferson area families have enjoyed the most progressive policy in the city regarding school choice. Now that the $2 billion school bond has passed, they are proposing to take that choice away. This strategy is backwards, and it is bound to fail. A better option would be to research opportunities to expand school assignments throughout the district and let parents sort out which district school best serves the individual needs of their child.Armstrong says she wants Portland to be a model for the nation. To date, 35 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, have enacted some form of school choice legislation. Letting parents choose among district schools would be an excellent path for the future of Jefferson High School and Portland Public Schools.

Ada Gallagher was an artsy kid who joined the track team at Portland’s McDaniel High School at the urging of her friends. It turns out, not only was she was good at running, she also enjoyed it. Last year, Gallagher won first place in the 200-meter race at the Class 6A state track meet. Earlier this year, Fox News posted a video of her performance in a 400-meter race at a meet. The national attention came because Ada is a member of a very small but controversial population: a transgender female athlete. In February, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” that aimed to ban transgender women from competing in girls and women’s sports. After Ada’s win in the 400, the Trump administration launched an investigation into Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association for allegedly violating Title IX. Bill Oram, sports reporter at the Oregonian, and Ada Gallagher join us to talk about what it has been like to be at the center of national attention, and why she and her family are choosing to leave the country.

Today's lightning round of news includes Portland Public Schools' plan for incoming K-12 campus seismic upgrades, a new $900,000 fence to prevent homeless camping near I-405, millions of wildfire recovery dollars the state has failed to spend, and much more. Host Claudia Meza and senior producer Giulia Fiaoni give their microdose of news and dive into our mailbag to hear from listeners on the midweek roundup. Discussed in Today's Episode:  St. Johns Music Venue The Fixin' To Is Fixin' To Become an Arcade [Willamette Week]  Here's How PPS Will Determine Which Schools Take Priority for Seismic Upgrades [Willamette Week]  New Fencing To Prevent Homeless Camping at 1 Site in Portland Will Cost $900K [Oregonian]  Oregon Got a Massive Federal Recovery Grant After 2020 Wildfires. Most of the Money Remains Unspent. [Willamette Week] Prosper Portland Executive Director Will Receive $212,992 in Severance [Willamette Week] Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Portland Spirit Biketown PDX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining the Exchange are Melinda Gale, a retired educator and administrator with the Portland Public Schools, and Christie Taylor from the Oregon Health Authority.

Some of Oregon’s largest school districts are facing cuts this year, including Portland Public Schools, Eugene 4J School District and the Beaverton School District. However, Oregon’s second-largest school district, Salem-Keizer Public Schools, is looking to spend more. Superintendent Andrea Castañeda shared a proposal last week that aims to increase the budget to invest more in mental health and special education. This comes after last year’s dramatic cuts that led to nearly 100 layoffs. Castañeda joins us to share more about her budget proposal and what the district's budget could look like in the future.

Today we're talking about Multnomah County's upcoming May 20 special election. Host Claudia Meza joins executive producer John Notarianni to discuss the gigantic Portland Public Schools bond, the school board elections, and other ballot items. They also break open our mailbag to hear from you, our listeners! Discussed in Today's Episode: Late to the Party? Here's What You Need To Know About Portland Public Schools' 2025 Bond [OPB] May 2025 Voter's Guide: Election Resources for Portland-Area Voters [League of Women Voters of Portland]  Get more from City Cast Portland when you become a City Cast Portland Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 14th episode: League of Women's Voters Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's episode of Beat Check with The Oregonian, education reporter Julia Silverman tackles a series of burning questions from readers and listeners who are weighing how to vote on the $1.83 billion bond. Have a listen, and don't forget to turn in your ballot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Galanakis wants Portland Public Schools to see the forest and not just the trees outside classroom windows. His campaign for a seat on the PPS Board leans heavily on the idea that PPS goes about its business largely with its head in the sand while solutions to many problems can be found in the streets just beyond school grounds.Galanakis, a co-founder of BikeBusPDX and software company owner who moved to Portland in 2014, biked over to the BikePortland Shed on Wednesday to share more about his vision for Portland's troubled school district.This podcast is made possible by support of individuals like you. If you value BikePortland, please share a one-time contribution or become a monthly subscriber. https://bikeportland.org/support

Dr. Eric Fruits, Ph.D., is an economist who specializes in economics, finance, and statistics. He is an adjunct professor in Economics and Finance at Portland State University and an adjunct scholar at Cascade Policy Institute. He also serves as an expert witness in court cases. Dr. Fruits talks about the Portland Public Schools bond, various local taxes in the Portland area, Trump's tariffs, and more. Andy Chandler from NW Fresh co-hosts.https://web.pdx.edu/~fruits/https://laweconcenter.org/author/ericfruits/https://www.wweek.com/news/2024/04/05/preschool-for-all-tax-data-shows-shrinking-number-of-high-earners-pay-the-levy/https://www.wweek.com/news/schools/2025/04/08/preschool-for-all-had-485-million-left-in-its-coffers-after-fiscal-year-2024/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2025/04/03/dunphy-morillo-and-novick-propose-increasing-retail-climate-tax-to-plug-citys-budget-hole/https://www.portland.gov/bps/cleanenergy/faqs-about-pcefhttps://www.wweek.com/news/city/2024/01/28/heres-who-isnt-paying-portlands-clean-energy-sales-tax/https://www.wweek.com/news/2024/04/24/portland-officials-neglected-street-paving-for-decades-now-your-tires-pay-the-price/https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/03/12/how-walt-bowens-big-bet-on-a-ritz-carlton-hotel-and-condos-crapped-out/https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/03/12/how-walt-bowens-big-bet-on-a-ritz-carlton-hotel-and-condos-crapped-out/https://www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/default/files/metro-events/March-10_Metro-President-Work-Group-Agenda.pdfhttps://www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/default/files/metro-events/March-10_Metro-President-Work-Group-Agenda.pdf

This Day in Maine for Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Grace and Dina dish all about gut health as we kick off Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month in April. They also discuss functional nutrition, supplements, and how to maintain work-life harmony while running a business.Grace Clark-Hibbs is a Registered Dietitian and gut health expert based in Portland, Oregon. Grace spent the first seven years of her career working in school foodservice management for Portland Public Schools. Now she provides comprehensive resources and nutrition services for those struggling with chronic bloat, constipation, and other IBS symptoms. She also works directly with clients to help them resolve their complicated gastrointestinal issues.Find and follow Grace at the links below:www.nutritionwithgracerdn.comhttps://www.facebook.com/nutritionwithgrace.rdnhttps://www.instagram.com/bloatfree_nutritionhttps://www.pinterest.com/nutritionwithgrace/https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceclarkhibbs/Looking to learn more about Grace's services? Click link below to access her "Heal Your Gut" blueprint:https://bloatfreefoundation.teachable.com/p/heal-your-gutMentioned in this episode:Dr. Heather Finley - https://www.instagram.com/drheatherfinley/SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21820-small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth-sibo----DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this podcast is to entertain, educate, and inform, but it is not to be taken as medical advice. Please seek prompt, qualified medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new fitness regimen, herbal therapy, or other self-directed treatment.Join our mailing list to stay connected, stay informed, receive exclusive offers, and be a part of the DishWithDina community: https://forms.gle/MzV7gVAPEsqEyEFH6If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others! You can also submit listener feedback or request to be a guest on a future episode by completing this form: https://forms.gle/gxWd2Q3NU8akmFuv7

Schools may be closed for the holiday break, but there's a lot ahead for Oregon's public education system in 2025. We asked three of the superintendents of Oregon's largest public school districts — Kimberlee Armstrong of Portland Public Schools, Gustavo Balderas from the Beaverton School District and Andrea Castaneda from Salem-Keizer Public Schools — to join Beat Check this week for a roundtable discussion. Listen in to get the scoop on their thoughts about how the state funds education, and how that impacts urban school districts, which serve complex, high-needs communities, including families experiencing poverty and students who don't speak English as a first language. We also broke down the debate over greater accountability in Oregon's school systems, what it's like to be negotiating with teacher unions in the wake of Portland's impactful teacher strike and what classroom projects — from language immersion to early literacy — have them really jazzed about 2025. Read more: How shabby or shiny are your local schools? In Oregon, it depends on where you live. After Portland teachers' strike and statewide budget cuts, Kotek backs ‘significant' changes to funding formula. In Albany, a teacher's strike reverberates statewide Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts to get new episodes each week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Board of Portland Public Schools has been working to craft a district-wide policy regarding cell phone use at school. During the Policy Committee's December 2 meeting, board members discussed a draft policy that would require personal electronic devices to be “off and away” during the school day, including lunchtime and in hallways, “so that the device cannot disrupt students or the learning environment.” During Monday's discussion, board members said many educators support clear and enforceable restrictions on cell phone use. They cited learning disruptions, technology addiction, and students cutting classes to be on their phones. School staff who testified in support of a phone-free school day described their experiences with class interruptions and behavior-related safety problems. Board member Patte Sullivan said, “Of all the emails I've received [from teachers], nothing…has said we don't want restrictions. They really want restrictions. They want to teach.” Sometimes freedom requires saying “no” to one thing to say “yes” to something that's more important. Unrestricted use of electronic devices at school has degraded the academic environment and students' social experiences. Setting limits on technology use will help give students the freedom to focus on what's more valuable and important. Creating distance between students and screens would put the focus back on learning, which is what school is all about.

Portland Public Schools started enforcing strict policies for cellphone-free campuses in response to concerns over teachers struggling to hold students' attention. But is it working? Today, we're talking with Willamette Week arts and culture reporter Rachel Saslow. She visited one of the high schools with an active phone ban and has an inside look at how everyone is adjusting to their new reality. Previous episodes mentioned: Why a Portland Restaurant Closed for Smelling Like Food [City Cast Portland

As the Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at MESD, Marifer leads the development and implementation of effective multilingual communications, outreach, and engagement strategies to support the district's vision, mission, and goals. Marifer is passionate about language access and language justice as key components of racial equity in education. She has been recognized nationally for her outstanding work and impact in this area, receiving the 2022 EdWeek's Leaders to Learn From in K-12 award and the 2021 Language Access Visionary Award.  She believes that language access and language justice are key components to racial equity and that the strategic use of language can reshape the narratives of traditionally marginalized groups and ultimately transform systems. Her expertise includes the implementation of multilingual communications, marketing, outreach and engagement strategies, practices and policies aimed at developing trust and fostering dialogue and cooperation among linguistically diverse communities and entities. Marifer holds a Law degree and a post-graduate certificate from Mexico. Marifer Sager used to lead the Language Access Services Department at Portland Public Schools. Marifer says You deserve your dreams! Mereces lo que sueñas. Amo este mantra y ya lo he incorporado a mi día a día hoy, en el presente. ¡Gracias, Marifer por recordarnos la importancia de soñar y de trabajar día a día en lo que nos inspira! Thanks so much, Marifer for reminding us the power of dreaming and working unstoppably day after day in a task that ignites us! Happy International Translation and Happy International Podcast Day! What a privilege to do what I love! and to have the honor to speak with great leaders and trailblazers all over the world! Follow us! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify Apple Podcasts Website⁠⁠⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@liftvalue Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@liftvaluetranslations LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lift Value Translations & Consulting info@liftvalue.com Follow Marifer! Linkedin ⁠http://linkedin.com/in/marifer-sager⁠ Website ⁠http://multnomahesd.org/strategic-communications.html

Tell us whatcha' think! Send a text to us, here!This week's Monday Briefing focuses on recent controversies in education, focusing on the Miami-Dade School Board's problem with information getting leaked to Antifa, the Portland Public Schools' directive on political displays, and a troubling assignment given to middle school students in New York. Each topic highlights the ongoing debates surrounding parental rights, political expression in schools, and the appropriateness of educational content.Support the showDONATE TODAY!www.ParentsRightsInEducation.com

What’s Trending: A Tacoma city councilwoman spent thousands on an art tour trip to Indonesia. The Portland teachers union is filing a grievance against a Portland Public Schools policy that doesn’t allow teachers to make political displays. The media is labeling Trump a racist for bringing attention to the events in Springfield, Ohio. //  LongForm: GUEST: Curtis Houck (Newsbusters) analyzes how left-wing media blamed Trump for the assassination attempt, plus the Grammys were insufferable. // The Quick Hit: Kamala Harris had a few very eyebrow-raising responses during her interview with a local news outlet in Philadelphia.

Bryan and Reagan are joined by State Rep. Emily McIntire (R-Eagle Point) and State Rep. Candidate Keri Lopez (R-Redmond) to do a deep dive on the state of education in Oregon.* Portland Public Schools quietly adopts rule barring teachers from ‘political or personal' classroom displays* Another Portland area school district will consider closing some schools amid low enrollment* Could Oregon's state school funding mechanism change next year? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.crosstabs.studio

The new Climate Friendly Public Schools program is just beginning. It will provide as much as $10,000 per school for public middle and high school students in seven districts over the next five years. The Portland Clean Energy Fund is providing the program $50 million. Portland Public Schools' share is close to $20 million. The idea is to support public school students to create their own projects and spur innovation in the climate solution space. Joining us to give us more details and discuss what this looks like at PPS is Petal Peloquin, a senior at Grant High School; Eesa Taylor, a junior at Ida B. Wells High School; and Ari Ettinger, the climate resiliency program manager for PPS.

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the Fred Meyer strike as the biggest grocery merger ever is debated in a local court, the frantic wrangling over plans as Measure 110 officially comes to an end, and the sky-high costs of building renovations as Portland Public Schools resume classes. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this week's Friday news roundup are Malia Spencer of the Portland Business Journal and our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: FTC Trial Continues: Exec From Specialty Grocer Sprouts Called as Witness Against Kroger-Albertsons Merger [

Classes at Portland Public Schools begin next week and the district also welcomes a new superintendent. Kimberlee Armstrong began her career as a teacher in the Puyallup School District in Washington and most recently served as deputy superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver. Armstrong joins to share what she’s looking forward to in her first year overseeing the district and goals in her first year.

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the grand opening of PDX's stunning new airport terminal, the water tiger art that's caused a ton of controversy at City Hall, and free meals coming for every student at Portland Public Schools. Joining executive producer John Notarianni are Willamette Week reporter Sophie Peel and our very own producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: ‘Just in Awe': PDX Main Airport Terminal Reopens with Trees and 9-Acre Wood-Beamed Ceiling [Oregonian] Records Offer Insight Into How Bobby Lee Directed a City Agency To Spend $60,000 in Taxpayer Dollars on a Pet Project [Willamette Week] Breakfast, Lunch Will Be Free to All Students at Many More Oregon Schools This Year [Oregonian

In 2007, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2620. The law mandates any major infrastructure project over $5 million, or any renovation which exceeds 50% of the current building's value, to devote 1.5% of its entire budget to “Green Energy Technology” (GET). Since 2014, more than 50 of these statewide projects have been for schools, where solar panels are overwhelmingly the GET of choice. Reports submitted to the Oregon Department of Energy show that two-thirds of school projects are outfitted with solar panels that will not break even on their investment for the next 50 years. The industry-accepted break-even limit is 25 years, assuming they last that long before requiring replacement. A project cannot be excused from the 1.5% rule simply because the GET is not cost-effective. School districts that expressed concerns over this, including McMinnville and LaGrande, were allowed to defer costly GET installations to future construction projects. However, that postpones the expenditure. The Board of Portland Public Schools plans to spend more than $22 million on solar arrays at rebuilds of Cleveland, Jefferson, and Ida B. Wells high schools; and none of them will pay for themselves. If taxpayers knew about these investments, it's unlikely they would approve. The Oregon Legislature should either repeal the 1.5% GET mandate or allow project sponsors the freedom to opt-out if projects are too expensive.

Worries about the Cascadia Subduction Zone have persisted for the last 50 years. Oregon school districts have considered the possibility of a major earthquake as they build and renovate existing structures. In line with this approach, the Portland Public School district has embarked on a decades-long modernization project, most recently the proposed $491 million modernization of Jefferson High School. The extensive renovation plans raise concerns about the necessity and benefits of the large-scale project, especially given the uncertainty of a potential Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Oregon code requires schools to meet seismic Category III standards, prioritizing life safety. The district has chosen to construct the new Jefferson to Category IV standards. This level, typically reserved for emergency facilities, adds an extra $5.00 per square foot to building cost. Jefferson isn't the only school with an excessive budget. Cleveland and Ida B. Wells high schools have surpassed $400 million in the last month. In contrast, the ongoing Bend Senior High rebuild has a budget of $187 million and is compliant with the required seismic code. While safety is important, overbuilding schools to an unnecessary standard is a misallocation of resources. School districts should focus on meeting the required safety codes while directing additional funds towards enhancing students' learning and development. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coffeewithcascade/message

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about Portland Public Schools' new superintendent pick, the city's foreclosing on abandoned buildings, and the demise of two local media empires. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday roundup are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed on Today's Episode: Portland Public Schools Picks New Superintendent After 6 Month Search [Oregonian]  City of Portland Moves to Foreclose on Local Eyesore, Old Gordon's Fireplace Shop [KOIN] Bob Pamplin Sells His Newspapers to Mississippi Firm [Willamette Week]   What's Next After Oregon Newspapers' Black Monday? [Oregonian

Oregon’s largest school district is facing a $30 million deficit and the prospect of cutting some 250 positions districtwide. Interim Superintendent Sandy Husk has presented her proposed budget, which the school board tentatively approved last week. Schools across the state face budget cuts, citing rising costs, limited state funding, the end of federal COVID relief money, heightened student needs since the pandemic and declining student enrollment. Portland also experienced its first-ever teachers strike in the fall, which resulted in a 14.4% cost-of-living adjustment over the next two years. Interim Superintendent Husk joins us to talk about the budget and what’s ahead for Portland Public Schools, along with Renard Adams, Chief Accountability and Equity Officer.for the district.

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about delayed and unfinished city infrastructure projects in Montavilla, how parent fundraising for Portland Public Schools might be changing, and Commissioner Gonzalez's surprise camping ban proposal. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are City Cast director of digital strategy, Bryan M. Vance, and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed on Today's Episode: $5M Update to SE Portland Park Will Include New Skatepark, Playground [FOX12]  Is Portland's Tradition of Parent Fundraising to Add Teachers at Their Child's School Near an End? [Oregonian]   Rene Gonzalez, Candidate for Portland Mayor, Pitches More Punitive Approach to Homeless Campers [Oregonian]  Vans Staffed with Medical Workers Bring Physical, Mental Health Care to Unhoused Portlanders Where They Are [Oregonian

Ohio's House Bill 183, termed the "Bathroom Bill," mandates that K-12 public schools and higher education institutions designate bathrooms based on biological sex. Introduced by Republican Representatives Beth Lear and Adam Bird, it aims to ensure safety, according to its proponents. However, the bill has encountered significant opposition, with over 100 detractors arguing it discriminates against transgender students. A committee vote is imminent, with significant Republican support anticipated.Arizona's SB1097, proposed by Senator Justine Wadsack, seeks to make school board elections partisan. The bill has passed initial stages with party-line support in the Republican-majority Senate and House committee. The Arizona School Boards Association opposes the measure, citing concerns about partisanship in educational governance. Advocates argue the change would better inform voters by revealing candidates' political affiliations. The full House vote is pending, with significant implications for party representation in elections.A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 51% of Americans believe public K-12 education is heading in the wrong direction, citing insufficient focus on core academic subjects, politicization by teachers, and inadequate funding as key concerns. Only 16% see it as moving in the right direction. Partisan differences are notable, with Republicans and Democrats diverging on the reasons for their dissatisfaction. The survey highlights a growing discontent with the direction of educational policy in the U.S.In Portland, Oregon, a lawsuit has been filed against Portland Public Schools, Multnomah County, and a nonprofit after a 9-year-old girl was allegedly raped by classmates at Scott Elementary School and its after-school program. Seeking $9 million, the suit claims negligence in monitoring and training, failing to report the incident promptly, and inadequately handling the victim's complaints of earlier sexual harassment. The legal action underscores serious concerns about student safety and response protocols in educational settings.Support the showDONATE TODAY!www.ParentsRightsInEducation.com

Last week, Cascade Policy Institute provided suggestions to the Board of Portland Public Schools to reduce costs on the Jefferson High School modernization project. The project is paused due to the budget ballooning from $311 million (approved by voters in a 2020 bond issue) to $491 million. Cascade's primary advice for the PPS Board can be applied to all publicly funded projects: practice common sense prudence. The prudent person principle provides perspective on three cost-prohibitive aspects of public projects: Building above code requirements; Energy efficiency expenditures with payback periods exceeding 20 years; Overbuilding. To meet building code requirements for seismic resilience, Jefferson must be designed as a risk category III structure. Current plans call for building to the costly and unnecessary standard of risk category IV. The state mandates 1.5% of most public buildings' budgets be allocated to green energy technology. Agency managers of four other Oregon school districts have refused to comply due to the excessive length of the pay-back period. Finally, building realistically sized projects is key. Jefferson's current enrollment is below 500 students yet the rebuild is planned for 1,700, a flagrantly excessive size in a school district with declining enrollment. The areas of excess in the Jefferson High School re-build are common in public projects. A prudent person would rein in this spending. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coffeewithcascade/message

Inadequate state funding and the end of COVID-19 relief dollars have left school districts across Oregon with multimillion-dollar budget deficits. Portland Public Schools officials are planning to cut $30 million out of next year’s budget and administrators at Salem-Keizer Public Schools need to cut $60 million. The Bend-La Pine School Board recently voted to place a local tax levy on the spring ballot in an effort to close their funding gaps. And in Southwest Washington, Evergreen Public Schools is facing a $16-20 million budget shortfall, while Vancouver Public Schools is facing $35 million. OPB’s K-12 education reporter Natalie Pate joins us to share more about what’s driving the budget cuts and the impact they could have on students and families.

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the city and county's joint plan to halve homelessness by 2025, never-ending utility rate hikes, and Portland Public Schools' decision on how to make up for lost class time after the teachers strike and severe winter weather. Joining host Claudia Meza on our Friday news round-up are Willamette Week's "Potlander" column author Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed in Today's Episode: Multnomah County, Portland Leaders Vow To Shelter 2,700 More People by End of 2025 [Oregonian

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson's stern warning to our underperforming ambulance service provider, Portland Public Schools' agreement to sell its headquarters to the Albina Vision Trust, and former mayor Sam Adams' attempt to make yet another political comeback. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are KBOO news director and host of the weekly talk show “The Gap,” Althea Billings, and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed on Today's Episode:  Multnomah County Chair Shares Plan To Address Ambulance Service Crisis [Fox 12] Portland Public Schools Agrees To Sell HQ to Albina Vision Trust for Redevelopment [Oregonian] Former Mayor Sam Adams Prepares To Run for Multnomah County Commissioner [Willamette Week] Oregon Democrats Agree to Stronger Criminal Penalties for Drug Possession [OPB] Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the Portland Bureau of Transportation plan to boost parking and registration enforcement. Plus, there's a controversy over a hip-hop showcase severing ties with its longtime home, and Portland Public Schools is gearing up for $30 million in budget cuts. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are Willamette Week's “Potlander” column author Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed in Today's Episode: The Thesis Ends Hip-Hop Showcase at Kelly's Olympian, Citing Political Dispute [Willamette Week] Wynne: The Thesis [YouTube] To Fix $32M Budget Deficit, PBOT Proposes Increased Enforcement on Parking, Expired Vehicle Registrations [KGW] Portland Public Schools Outlines Plans For $30 Million in Cuts, Sparking Backlash [Oregonian] Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Bon Coeur Home + Wellness (Use promo code "LOVE15" for 15% off) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tens of thousands of Oregon homes and businesses were still without electricity early Tuesday, as the National Weather Service warned of more challenging conditions to come. Portland Public Schools, Salem-Keizer, Eugene 4J and many other districts canceled classes on Tuesday. Portland warned that its sewer system is strained, and the MAX service remains shut down. At least four deaths may be linked to the weather. The National Weather Service is forecasting freezing rain across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington starting late Tuesday morning. State agencies are warning Oregonians to stay off roads and prepare for additional tree damage and power outages.

Ali Bradley, News Nation, gives an update from the southern US Border. Norman Lear, iconic TV sitcom and movie producer, dies at 101. 4th GOP debate tonight. Woke Wednesday. Portland Public Schools to factor in gender identity, race into school discipline. Trump gives an interview to Sean Hannity.

The fight over how Oregon funds K-12 education isn’t new, but in the wake of a nearly monthlong strike in Portland Public Schools the longtime issue is back in the limelight. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart explain the history, the present and what lawmakers and school insiders are saying about whether Oregon schools are getting enough money. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when the teachers stop teaching? Strikes have major impacts on school districts and those ripple effects extend to the business office. Juhno Chang, Senior Budget Manager at Portland Public Schools, just recently had a teacher strike and he gives us the behind the scenes view of what a school district must do to keep negotiations and morale moving in the right direction.

On Monday morning, more than 40,000 students in Portland returned to school after a tentative deal had been announced the day before to end a teachers’ strike that had shut down schools since Nov 1. The agreement between Portland Public Schools district and the Portland Association of Teachers still needs to be ratified by union members and the school board this week. It includes a nearly 14% pay raise for educators over the next three years, additional planning time and expanded access to mental health support for students in the district. Joining us to talk about the deal, how students will make up 11 days of lost instruction time and other details is OPB education reporter Natalie Pate. 

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about how the bar exam is no longer the only way to become a lawyer in Oregon, the latest on the Portland Public Schools teachers' strike, and City Council filing down the teeth of the new police oversight board. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's news roundup are KBOO news director, Althea Billings, and City Cast's director of newsletters, Bryan M. Vance. Stories Discussed in Today's Episode: Oregon first in US to allow law students to become lawyers through apprenticeships, not bar exam [Oregonian] Portland teacher strike: Momentum stalls after district says union's cost estimates on class sizes are way off [Oregonian] House Republicans want to make it illegal for teachers to strike [Willamette Week] Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: The Storm Large Holiday Ordeal at the Aladdin Theater Nov. 24 & 25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland Public Schools students are out of class for the 10th day this month as the first strike in the district’s history continues. The Portland Association of Teachers claims the most recent offer it presented to the district would significantly reduce the financial gap between the two sides, but the district has disputed how much the proposal would actually save. Renard Adams is chief of research, assessment and accountability for PPS. Angela Bonilla is the president of PAT. They join us with the latest on where negotiations stand.

Today marks one week since Portland Public Schools teachers declared a strike and campuses have been closed. Negotiations are ongoing with no clear timeline on when an agreement will be met. In Oakland, California, a teachers strike in the spring lasted a week and a half and kept kids out of school for several days. Jill Tucker is the education reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle. She joins us to share more on why teachers went on strike there and how the resolution was reached.  

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about why Portland Public Schools teachers are now on strike for the first time ever, how the city will start enforcing the camping ban, and why you won't be buying liquor at the grocery store anytime soon. Joining lead producer John Notarianni on this week's news roundup are Willamette Week's “Dive” podcast host and "Potlander" column writer Brianna Wheeler and our very own audio producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Stories discussed in today's episode: Portland Public Schools Strike: What You Need to Know [Oregonian] Camp SCRAP Portland Will Begin Enforcing Camping Ban in Two Weeks [OPB] Portland Camping Restrictions Map Oregon Grocers Decide Not to Seek Privatized Liquor Sales in 2024 [Willamette Week] See Brianna Wheeler in Conversation with City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7 pm at Powell's City of Books Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Chelsea Handler at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Nov. 2 & 3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first teachers strike in Portland Public Schools history is currently underway. Schools have closed across the district, which is Oregon’s largest, as teachers lobby for better pay and working conditions. Renard Adams is chief of research, assessment and accountability for PPS. Angela Bonilla is the president of the Portland Association of Teachers. They join us with back-to-back perspectives on where things stand between the district and the union.

More than 80 schools in Portland are closed today, as teachers began their first-ever strike in the history of the Portland Public Schools district. The Portland Association of Teachers represents nearly 4,500 teachers and coaches in Oregon’s largest school district. Negotiations between PPS and PAT have been ongoing for months to ratify a new contract, including sessions held with a state mediator earlier this week. OPB education reporter Natalie Pate gives us an update on the strike, what each side is asking for and what she heard from teachers on the picket line this morning. 

We'll be back with another episode of Beat Check next week. In the meantime, don't miss the episode we published Thursday, answering your questions about the potential Portland Public Schools teachers' strike. Given the dynamic nature of that story, we wanted to bring it to you as soon as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a special edition of The Oregonian's Beat Check podcast, education reporter Julia Silverman and City Hall reporter Shane Dixon Kavanaugh answer your questions about the potential Portland Public Schools teacher strike. Read our previous strike coverage here: Portland Teachers Vote to Authorize a Strike Final Offers, Plenty of Acrimony and Little Movement Portland Families Brace for Strike Fallout With a Possible Strike Looming, a $200 Million Gulf Widens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about the impending Portland Public Schools teachers' strike, Nike losing their prominence with everyday runners, and Oregon's new Medicaid voucher program that helps pay for housing. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's news roundup are Portland Mercury news reporter Taylor Griggs and our very own lead producer, John Notarianni. Stories Discussed in Today's Episode: As Portland Public Schools and Teachers Union Stall on Negotiations, District Prepares for Unprecedented Strike [Portland Mercury] Portland Public Schools Says Teacher Strike Would Not Stop Varsity Athletics [Oregonian] Nike's Shoes Are Setting Records, but Casual Runners Are Wearing Rivals' [Oregonian] Deposition Shakes Up Nike Pay Discrimination Lawsuit; Nike Wants it Barred [Oregonian] Can States Ease Homelessness by Tapping Medicaid Funding? Oregon is Betting On It [NPR] A Low-Income Housing Complex Was Lauded as a Model for Pulling People Out of Homelessness. Three Years Later, Tenants Are Fleeing. [Portland Mercury] Stacks of Pizza [X] Previous episodes mentioned during today's show: The Best Nachos in Portland Might Surprise You How Oregon Blessed the World With Tater Tots Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Students at Portland Public Schools are nearly a month into the new school year, but their teachers and the district are at an impasse on contract negotiations. Meanwhile, recent test results from Oregon Statewide Assessments showed steady and improving rates in English language arts and math for grades 3 - 8 in PPS. Sharon Reese, chief of human resources for PPS, and Renard Adams, chief of research, assessment and accountability, join us to talk about what the district thinks students and teachers need to succeed.

BlazeTV media critic Rob Eno and Glenn Beck's chief researcher Jason Buttrill discuss Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell's medical scare during a press conference today. This makes twice that the Senate minority leader has frozen up during a public appearance. Some are calling into question his ability to lead the Senate and continue his time in Congress. Del Bigtree joins the show to discuss a CDC post that warns people not to rely on masks to protect them from wildfire smoke. This leads some to wonder how masks can help keep people safe from COVID if it can't protect them from smoke. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race. This makes him the first candidate to drop out of the race. Portland Public Schools will no longer be allowed to give students zeros for cheating or missing work, per the district's new “equitable grading policy.” California's attorney general filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Chino Valley Unified School District Monday because the district adopted a policy that would inform parents when their child has told teachers or administrators they want to go by another name or gender. Attorney General Rob Bonta feels this new policy would hurt students.  Today's Sponsor: Birch Gold makes it easy to convert an IRA or 401(k) into an IRA in precious metals. Here's what you need to do. Text the word WHY to 989898 to claim your free info kit on gold. With almost 20 years' experience converting IRAs and 401(k)s into precious metals IRAs, Birch Gold can help you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland Public Schools is testing out a new "equitable grading practices" that stop teachers from assigning "zeros" to students who cheat or fail to turn in assignments. Pags gives his thoughts. PLUS... Kay Smythe joins Pags to talk about the possibility of Category 6 hurricanes, the fires in Maui, and much more.