DEVELOPMENT FACTS IN CITY OF PORTLAND

The City of Portland and METRO have a ‘No Net Loss’ policy in place on all Residential Zoning.  What that means is that if an application for zone change is submitted to change residential zoning into any other type of use besides a residential use, the developer must be able to replace the number of residential units that will be lost as a result of the zone change or the application is denied.  To be functional schools are located within neighborhoods.  All of the schools slated to be closed are zoned residential except Whitaker.  The zone change application process is extremely expensive and time consuming and there is no guarantee an application will be approved. 

SELLING TO THE COMPETITION

It is possible the schools would sell to private or charter schools.  Keep in mind that part of our nation’s great success is a result of providing a good education to all children regardless of race or socioeconomic status.  The public school system was that vehicle.  Public education guarantees all children an equal opportunity to receive a good basic education that, if they apply themselves, will prepare them to attend a college or university.  Education is the great equalizer and public education is the champion of equality.  Privatizing schools will not guarantee that all children will receive the opportunity for a good education; it will do just the opposite, limit opportunity.

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