Portland Public Schools board approves remote‑learning protocol for a fourth snow day and for students with sustained absences

Portland Public Schools' board voted unanimously to adopt a remote‑learning protocol that will take effect if the district reaches a fourth snow day and to create targeted virtual options for students who miss multiple days because they or their families feel unsafe attending school.

The plan, presented by district instructional leaders, responds to a surge in absenteeism since Jan. 20 and is designed as an emergency contingency rather than a long‑term switch to virtual schooling. "We recommend that the board approve remote learning as a course of action for our future snow days," presenters told the board, while noting that in‑person learning remains the district's preferred option.

Why it matters: district staff reported average daily absenteeism rose from about 6.49% (through Jan. 16) to spikes above 14%–18% on recent days; some elementary schools saw rates as high as about 32% on particular days. Staff said families' absence patterns include intermittent and continuous absences tied to recent immigration‑enforcement activity near schools, and the contingency plan is intended to keep students connected to curriculum and services when they cannot attend in person.

What the plan says: for districtwide snow‑day activation, elementary students will receive prepared packets and secondary students will use Google Classroom/Meets following their normal schedule. For individualized support, schools will monitor attendance, flag students with repeated absences (staff discussion cited three missed days as an early trigger for outreach), and convene student‑support teams (social workers, multilingual staff, special‑education staff and an assigned point person) to define an appropriate remote‑learning modality, including IEP meetings where required.

Supports and safeguards: district staff emphasized confidentiality under FERPA for attendance lists, said they will not require students to use cameras if that raises safety concerns, and described partnerships with community groups and the Cumberland County Food Security Council to deliver food and emergency assistance. The district also plans outreach through school social workers and PTO volunteers to resolve transportation or other barriers when possible.

Board action and next steps: the board first voted to bypass the usual second‑read timing so the policy could be enacted quickly if needed; the bypass and the snow‑day remote plan passed with unanimous votes. Chair Carol Lentz said she would seek legal review overnight and schedule an emergency meeting or provide written documentation on how one‑on‑one family contingency decisions will be made. Staff committed to monitoring attendance frequently and providing regular updates to the board.

What plaintiffs/participants said: students, parents and school leaders who spoke during the meeting urged quick implementation, particularly at the secondary level where attendance and credit recovery are critical; a student representative said many students want access to virtual options right away.

The board did not adopt permanent grading, assessment or long‑term virtual‑school policies in this vote; staff said those items would be addressed if contingency remote learning extended beyond an initial emergency period. The board scheduled continued monitoring and further details for the next meetings.