Hello Duniway Community,
Many in our community have recently learned about the potential closure of Sellwood Middle School (SMS), Duniway's feeder middle school, as part of Portland Public Schools' Right Sizing process. We know this news may be upsetting and raise many questions for students, families, staff, and neighbors.
At this time, it is important to understand that no final decisions have been made. Sellwood Middle School is included in both Scenario A and Scenario B of the current PPS Right Sizing proposals, but these remain proposals under review. We have also heard from Dr. Armstrong that an additional Scenario C may be considered, which could include pausing the current process and revisiting the proposals.
As more information becomes available, we want to help ensure families have opportunities to stay informed, ask questions, and share their perspectives.
What You Can Do Today
If you would like to provide feedback or ask questions about the proposed changes, consider contacting PPS leadership directly:
- PPS School Board: schoolboard@pps.net
- Board Chair Eddie Wang: eddiewang@pps.net
- PPS Right Sizing Team: Rightsizing@pps.net
- Margaret Calvert, School Planning & Modernization: mcalvert@pps.net
When reaching out, you may want to ask questions such as:
- How was this proposal developed, and what factors informed the recommendation?
- What cost savings are anticipated from the proposed changes?
- How will receiving schools be staffed and resourced to ensure students continue to receive the same quality educational experience and opportunities currently offered at Sellwood Middle School?
Attend the PPS School Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 6 | 6:00–8:00 PM
501 N. Dixon St.
Portland, OR 97227
Families who are able are encouraged to attend and make their voices heard. If attending in person is not possible, the meeting can also be viewed online, HERE.
You can also review the Board agenda and supporting materials, including proposed boundary changes under Scenarios A and B, Board Agenda
Learn More
- PPS Right Sizing Information & Scenarios
- Map of Proposed Right Sizing Changes
- Save Portland Schools Action Center: https://savepdxschools.org/take-action
The Save Portland Schools site includes tools to help families contact decision-makers and share feedback.
Upcoming Principal Coffees
We encourage families to attend these upcoming information sessions:
- October 16: PPS Right Sizing with Dr. Melvin
- October 23: Funding Our Schools with City Councilor Mitch Green and Oregon State Representative Mark Gamba, https://luma.com/xgox9h2v
These meetings will provide opportunities to learn more, ask questions, and stay informed as the process continues. It is CRITICAL that our representatives hear the impact this will have on our communities.
We Are Stronger Together
We are committed to sharing updates with the Duniway community as we learn more. We also welcome additional volunteers who would like to help keep families informed and engaged throughout this process.
Our students, teachers, families, and neighborhood have always shown up for one another. As these discussions continue, we encourage everyone to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in the conversation.
If you are interested in supporting advocacy and community engagement efforts, please sign up here: HERE.
With gratitude,
Andrea Angell
Duniway Foundation
Catherine Mosich
Duniway PTA President