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Parents and students urge Portland board to keep Latin program at Portland High
Summary
Multiple parents, students and teachers told the board the district's only Latin program provides unique academic benefits, boosts SAT performance and aided college admissions for some students; they urged the board to preserve the class as budget discussions continue.
Dozens of parents and students urged Portland Public Schools on March 27 to preserve the district's Latin program at Portland High School, saying the class offers distinctive academic benefits and helps students pursue selective colleges.
"My daughter studied Latin for 4 years, and it benefited her greatly," said parent Lisa Scally, who told the board her daughter gained admission to Brown University in part because of the Latin coursework. "If Portland High School really cares about its ranking in terms of acceptance rate at elite colleges, they would do well to keep this program." (Lisa Scally)
Senior Ella Vinkomolder, who said she has taken Latin for four years and plans to study linguistics and international affairs, told the board the class is "foundational" and the only Latin offering in the region. "By cutting his position, you were basically firing him," she said, referring to the district's sole Latin teacher and noting his ability to teach Greek as well (Ella Vinkomolder).
Speakers described Latin as more than a language class: commenters said it strengthens English vocabulary, supports history and humanities work, and helps with standardized tests and college readiness. Allison Gorman, a physician and former classics major, cited a student who earned a gold medal on the national Latin exam as evidence of the program's quality (Allison Gorman).
Board members did not take immediate action on the program during the meeting. The Latin program's future will be influenced by the district's budget decisions and subsequent staffing proposals; several speakers urged the board to consider program impacts when weighing cuts.
