Board approves amended Cleveland High School modernization plan, schedules Marshall campus relocation

The Portland Public Schools Board of Education approved an amended comprehensive master plan for Cleveland High School at its Oct. 14 meeting. The board’s action authorizes the district to proceed with a reduced‑cost design and related site work, with the Cleveland program to relocate to the Marshall campus for the anticipated three‑school‑year construction period.

Staff described the Cleveland plan as composed of two primary structures—north and south—linked by a connector and organized around a secure, approximately 40,000‑square‑foot courtyard. The design uses mass timber in the north building and concrete/steel in the south building; the district said that material choices and logistics reflect site constraints and the need to provide extensive indoor and outdoor program spaces on a constrained campus. Because the stadium track and field are four blocks from the main campus, staff proposed a stadium improvements package (including expanded grandstands, restrooms and a field house with team rooms) and coordination with Portland Parks for Powell Park upgrades to provide playable fields.

The board voted to approve the amended Cleveland comprehensive plan by roll call; the resolution passed 7–0. Staff said the stadium work is scheduled for completion in 2028 so athletic programs can return to improved fields before the main building opens in 2029. The district will resurface the track at the Marshall campus to prepare that site for use by Cleveland students during construction and is pursuing Powell Park improvements as the primary athletic site; Hosford Middle School was discussed as a backup site for softball if Powell improvements are delayed.

Board discussion focused on construction sequencing, use of mass timber vs. tilt‑up or other systems, the elevated running track considered as an additive alternate, and the logistics of relocating a comprehensive high‑school program temporarily. Staff said the design team will provide updated cost estimates at the end of design development, and that CM/GC contractors are engaging trade partners and preparing trade packages.

The board’s approval allows the Office of School Modernization to continue design‑development work, finalize estimates and begin procurement and site permitting. The resolution authorizing the amended plan passed unanimously.