The Portland school board will consider proposed high school changes tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 5 -7 p.m. at the Blanchard Education Service Center, 501 N. Dixon St.

o Board members will spend the first hour discussing with staff members plans to support Marshall Campus students as they transition into new schools.
o The second hour will be spent on an in-depth look into the middle college program proposed for Jefferson High School.
o Community members are welcome to attend the work session, however public testimony will not be taken.

Benson Polytechnic High School, Jefferson High School, and existing charter schools would make up a network of focus schools – open to students from across the school district.

◦Benson will continue to offer a four-year program of career and technical education, serving approximately 425 to 850 students full time on the campus, enabling students to pursue one or more in-depth career focused programs.

◦Jefferson would build on a strong partnership with Portland Community College to offer a middle college program that provides students the chance to earn college credits while pursuing their high school diploma. Students residing in the current Jefferson boundary could choose to attend the Jefferson focus school, or have guaranteed entrance into Grant, Madison or Roosevelt high schools, depending on their address.

•The Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women would no longer offer a high school program, but would become a stand-alone focus middle school, independent of Jefferson High, serving grades 6 to 8.

The board is scheduled to vote on the changes at a meeting Oct. 12.