Portland board votes to enter purchase agreement for 1 North as Center for Black Student Excellence

The Portland Public Schools Board of Education on Sept. 9 voted 7–0 to authorize staff to enter a purchase-and-sale agreement for the 1 North property in Northeast Portland as the proposed site for the Center for Black Student Excellence. Superintendent Guadalupe (Chad) Armstrong told the board the district agreed to a purchase price of $16,000,000 and will begin a 90‑day due‑diligence period if the board’s authorization stands.

The board’s vote authorizes staff to begin the investigation and analysis needed to determine whether the property can meet the center’s programmatic, fiscal and community requirements. Senior Director Nicole Watson, who led the district presentation, said the center would be a district hub for “enrichment, leadership, wellness and culturally grounded supports” and that the site is “move‑in ready” and located in the Albina area the center is intended to serve.

Why it matters: The vote advances a major commitment voters approved in 2020 to fund a Center for Black Student Excellence. Supporters say a permanent, visible location in Albina would allow the district to co‑locate district programs and culturally specific community partners, and begin program activation faster than waiting for new construction or modernization projects.

What the board approved: The authorization triggers a 90‑day due‑diligence period during which staff will inspect the building and systems, review operating and maintenance histories, draft pro forma budgets and examine lease and tenant issues. Watson told the board staff will present findings to the Facilities Improvement and Oversight Committee and return to the full board with a recommendation at the end of the review, with a closing target no later than Dec. 29 if the district proceeds.

Public testimony and community views: More than a dozen community speakers addressed the board before the vote. Erin Frazier, executive director of the Center for Black Excellence, urged the board to vote yes, saying the center would “leave foundational bricks to build…bright, bold, brilliant and beautiful futures for children.” Sahan McKelvey of Self Enhancement Inc. and Lakeitha Elliott of the Gordley Burch Center for Black Leadership and Civic Engagement also urged approval, noting that voters approved specific bond dollars for the center in 2020 and asking the board to honor that mandate.

Concerns and follow-up: Board members and union leaders raised questions about operating costs, tenant leases and long‑term sustainability. Several board members asked staff to provide detailed operating and maintenance cost projections and a property‑management strategy during due diligence. Director Stephanie LaForte asked staff to return with a comprehensive annual cost analysis before final purchase, and staff committed to reporting operating figures, historical property expenses and pro forma budgets during the review period.

Next steps: Staff will use the 90‑day due‑diligence window to develop operating pro formas, engage city bureaus on alley and curb uses, negotiate tenant issues, and present a detailed recommendation to the facilities committee and the full board. If staff recommends proceeding after due diligence, the board anticipates a final vote in early December.

Votes and motions: Director JoAnn DePass moved the resolution and Director Chase Miller seconded it. The motion passed 7–0 (student representative voted yes, unofficially), authorizing the district to execute the purchase-and-sale agreement and begin due diligence.