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Middle School Design

A young boy with curly hair raises his hand in a classroom while a teacher stands at the front near a screen.

Based on a Middle School Design Resolution the Board of Public Education approved on March 24, 2026, the Portland Public Schools is launching a districtwide effort to design and strengthen the middle school experience to better serve all students across the district.

This work is focused on improving outcomes and opportunities for every middle school student, not just one school. While the district’s three individual middle schools—Lincoln, King, and Lyman Moore—are all a key part of this conversation, this is a comprehensive, districtwide effort aimed at ensuring a high-quality, consistent middle school experience for all Portland students. Equity, access, and student experience are central to this work.

The resolution directs the district to develop and deliver a middle school design to the Board by October 2026, at which time the Board will deliberate and decide what course of action to take.

A young boy smiles in the foreground of a classroom while a teacher stands in the blurred background.
A blue line drawing of a stopwatch with "NOW" in the center is set against a plain white background.

 

Why Now?

This work is grounded in a clear need:

  • There is an opportunity to expand access to rigorous academics, student supports, and extracurricular opportunities
  • The Portland Public Schools is experiencing a decline in enrollment that appears to be a trend and not a one-time decline
  • Our facilities are aging and require significant investment
  • The district faces increasing fiscal pressure
A golden outline of a book with "GUIDE" on its cover stands against a plain white background.

 

Guiding Principles

Through this process, we are committed to:

  • Strengthening academic programming and student experience
  • Improving equity of access and outcomes for all students
  • Ensuring long-term sustainability
  • Centering the voices of students, families, staff, and community members



     

Workgroup Process

We are seeking participants from across our community, including staff, families, students, community members and PPS alumni, to apply to join workgroups and a Guiding Coalition that will help shape recommendations for the future of middle schools in Portland. To create strong workgroups, participants selected will represent a range of voices, perspectives and experiences. The workgroups, which will meet regularly between May and October, are:

Apply for a workgroup to help shape the future of Portland’s middle school. Deadline to apply: Sunday, May 17, 2026. Note: Students chosen for the workgroups will not fill out the application, but instead will be selected based on principal recommendations, along with student interest and availability.

Apply for a workgroup

Opportunities for Engagement

The Portland Public Schools is beginning a process to review and design the middle school experience. We are seeking early input from students, families, staff, and community members in a survey to understand what matters most. Your feedback will help guide the workgroups that will shape recommendations and inform future design options. Fill out the Middle School Design Community Survey. The survey is open through Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Community engagement opportunities:

Virtual:
Monday, June 1, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81804762268

In-person:
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Ocean Avenue Elementary School