Portland board approves revamped Jefferson and Cleveland high‑school plans as BAC flags sequencing and cost risks

Portland Public Schools officials on Oct. 14 approved revised comprehensive modernization plans for Jefferson and Cleveland high schools, moving both projects forward with updated budgets, earlier field work and multi‑year construction schedules.

The board adopted Resolution 7,187 for Jefferson and Resolution 7,188 for Cleveland after lengthy presentations by district modernization staff and questions from directors.

Why it matters: Both projects are tied to the district’s long‑range bond program; their budgets and sequencing will affect capital spending, athletics access and neighborhood impacts for years. The Bond Accountability Committee (BAC) cautioned that building three major high schools at once could create significant cost and delivery risks.

Jefferson: scope, schedule and budget Senior project manager Steve Efros outlined Jefferson’s cost‑reduction redesign, which trimmed the building footprint to meet the district’s ed‑spec target (about 295,000 square feet) while keeping the academic, arts and athletics massing. The team reported a hard construction estimate of $357 million, added a $2 million allowance for potential off‑site improvements, and a 10% contingency. The total project budget is $466 million, roughly $25 million below the prior 2023 estimate. Land‑use and permitting work is expected into 2027; building construction would begin in 2027 with occupancy for fall 2029.

The board discussed site logistics, an early fields package to allow athletic practice during construction, an auditorium sized at roughly 720–750, and amenities such as a teen parent center. "We just submitted our type 3 conditional use permit last week," Efros said, noting a recent milestone in the permitting process.

Cleveland: constrained site and phased athletics work Senior project manager Eric Gerding described Cleveland’s constrained multi‑parcel campus and a two‑building concept that creates a large secured courtyard for students. The design mixes mass timber and steel/concrete systems and includes an elevated indoor running track as an additive alternate (estimated about $1.6 million). Cleveland’s construction is scheduled to start in June 2026 with stadium improvements and Powell Park athletic upgrades phased to be available in 2028; the main building is slated for completion in 2029.

Public input and BAC concerns Elizabeth Super, a Cleveland parent and athletics booster, urged the board to prioritize Powell Park turf and stadium improvements, citing frequent vandalism, limited practice space and unsafe conditions at the current fields. The BAC quarter report presented earlier in the meeting said the 2012 and 2017 bond programs appeared sufficient to complete their scopes, but warned that sequencing three large high‑school modernizations — Jefferson, Cleveland and Wells/Cleveland/Jefferson programs combined — could expose the district to escalating costs and scheduling pressures.

Board action and vote After discussion, the board voted to adopt both comprehensive plans: Resolution 7,187 (Jefferson) and Resolution 7,188 (Cleveland). Both measures passed on recorded voice votes (each approved 7–0 with the student representative unofficially voting yes). The board directed staff to continue community engagement and report back as designs are refined.

What’s next Staff will proceed with design‑development, detailed estimates, permitting and community information sessions; several directors asked for continued updates on athletics sequencing and temporary relocations. The BAC said it will continue to monitor scope, schedule and spend and bring forward KPIs to the facilities committee.

Actions recorded: The board adopted Resolution 7,187 (Jefferson) and Resolution 7,188 (Cleveland), each by a 7–0 voice vote.