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Portland school board approves Allstar recognitions, adopts MLC mascot and renames Jason Lee Elementary "Sunrise"
Summary
The Portland Public Schools board unanimously approved resolutions recognizing Teacher & Administrator Appreciation Week and AANHPI Heritage Month, adopted the Monarch Butterfly as Metropolitan Learning Center’s mascot, and approved renaming Jason Lee Elementary to Sunrise Elementary after a community process.
The Portland Public Schools board approved a set of resolutions during its May 12 meeting, including ceremonial recognitions and two substantive school identity actions.
The board voted unanimously (7–0, student representative voting yes) to adopt Resolution 7299, recognizing Teacher and Administrator Appreciation Week, and Resolution 73000, recognizing May as Asian‑American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Both passed by voice vote after brief remarks by board members.
On school identity matters, the board approved Resolution 7301 to adopt the Monarch Butterfly as the official mascot for Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC). Principal Ashley Hudson told the board the mascot was chosen by a committee and students because the monarch “represents the growth and transformation” that MLC cultivates. The vote was unanimous.
The board also approved a renaming brought by Jason Lee Elementary’s renaming committee. Principal Alma Velasquez described an inclusive process with over 430 voters; the community selected Sunrise Elementary by plurality in the community ballot. The board voted 7–0 to approve Resolution 7302 formalizing the new name and asked staff to begin implementation steps.
Board and community members emphasized inclusion in the renaming process and noted efforts to invite alumni and translate materials during community outreach. The board did not indicate any changes to school programming tied to the name changes.
Next steps: staff will follow board policy for implementation of the renaming (signage, communications, and any operational transitions) and communicate timelines to families.
