PORTLAND, Oregon — Markham Elementary School will not reopen at the start of the new school year. Crews have been repairing extensive damage caused by storms in January, but reconstruction won't be finished in time for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.
"We understand that this news is incredibly upsetting," Portland Public Schools (PPS) officials said in a letter to staff and families. "We had hoped to be able to finish reconstruction of the Markham building this summer, but, given the extent of the damage and the scope of hazardous material abatement that has to be completed before repair work can begin, that is simply not feasible."
The letter said the school building could reopen in late fall, but added that the date is preliminary and the situation is "very fluid and subject to change."
Students and educators have been traveling to four other schools in the district while Markham Elementary is closed.
"Students and educators have adjusted to new learning environments and school cultures, and many staff have spent a great deal of time traveling between the four host schools to meet student needs," the letter said. "Families, too, have felt the strain."
The school district has delayed opening the building multiple times. It was initially pushed back to mid-February. Then last month, PPS had announced both Markham Elementary and Robert Gray Middle School would remain closed remainder of the current school year.
PPS said it will send an invitation out for a community meeting where parents can ask questions about the extended closure.