OPB’s First Look: Closing Portland schools?

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Good morning, Northwest.

Oregon’s largest school district has announced proposals to close about a dozen schools in addition to other major changes.

OPB education reporter Elizabeth Miller starts today’s newsletter with a detailed look at the proposals — and what the district, staff and families are already saying about them.

In other news, Oregon’s wine industry is shrinking. Vintners are pointing to several unrelated issues.

Here’s your First Look at Tuesday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

Top story

Up to 14 schools closing in Portland Public Schools ‘rightsizing’ scenarios

Portland Public Schools announced proposed scenarios yesterday evening that could result in massive changes for Portland’s elementary, middle and K-8 schools, including building closures, program consolidations and changes to school boundaries.

One scenario proposes 14 school closures, another proposes 11 closures, and a third scenario proposes to do nothing.

The district says the plan would ensure a more consistent standard of service across its schools. The plan has already drawn pushback from some parents and teachers.

Most recommendations in the scenarios would go into effect in fall 2027. The board is expected to vote on a final plan this December. (Elizabeth Miller)

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3 things to know

• All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near Portland’s Rose Quarter are closed to replace old concrete and make the 2-mile stretch of road more earthquake-ready. Transportation officials say commute times near the construction sites are up to 2.5 times longer than normal. (Riley Martinez)
• Clark County prosecutors ruled that Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryson Layton’s actions were justified when he stabbed a suspect 17 times in the back in May 2025. Layton won’t face criminal charges. (Troy Brynelson)
• Inconsistent mail delivery in Astoria has attracted the attention of Oregon’s U.S. senators, especially as midterm elections near. (Katie Frankowicz, KMUN)

Northwest headlines

• Oregon state Rep. Evans accused of drunken hit-and-run with stop sign in Independence (Madeleine Moore, Salem Reporter)
• Washington nonprofit that runs ICE reporting hotline lays off more than half its staff (Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez, KUOW)
• Report details Port of Astoria’s understanding of ICE incident (Katie Frankowicz, KMUN)
• Washington state’s 5th Congressional District candidates talk trade, Medicaid, affordability, data centers (Erick Bengel, NWPB)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• Portland’s Tim Leatherman shares stories and lessons in new book

One more look

Oregon’s grape harvest is in full swing, but wine sales have been dropping

Paul Durant owns Red Ridge Farms in the Dundee Hills. The vineyard is known for its fine wines and pastoral visitor center with beehives, lavender fields and olive groves. Durant thinks the company is doing OK, considering the 2025 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census.

“We’ve never seen anything quite like this,” Durant said.

Last year, Oregon’s wine grape production decreased 25%. Grapes are being left to rot on the vine and whole vineyards have been plowed under. In total, 110 vineyards and wineries closed in Oregon last year.

And while it hasn’t been as badly hit, Oregon’s beer industry is dealing with the same issues. (Kristian Foden-Vencil)

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