BEAVERTON, Ore. — The Beaverton School District announced Wednesday that it will table discussions on consolidating schools in the southeast quadrant of the district until fall.
"We understand the emotions that can arise with any talk about school consolidations," the district said in an email to parents. "We also appreciate how engaged our community is. We all want what is best for our students. By slowing down this process, we hope to all travel this road together."
Last week, the Beaverton School District floated preliminary proposals to close some elementary schools due to the opening of a new Raleigh Hills Elementary School in the 2026-27 school year, which was met with disconcertment from many parents.
"We're really trying to understand why,” Sara Gardner-Smith told KGW. “Why is the district pushing for this philosophy?"
Gardner-Smith — who has a second grader at Raleigh Park, a school of around 300 students — objected to the proposal, saying her child benefits from the smaller school size.
Other parents agreed with Gardner-Smith, saying that smaller schools are beneficial for students. They also told KGW that the school district has not been transparent about said proposals.
The district said Wednesday that it will "pause and revisit this discussion in the fall with more clarity and community engagement." Near the start of the school year, the district's superintendent, staff and school board will discuss the future, and community forums will be held.
"The Facilities Planning Committee will not meet on June 5 and will not vote on any recommendations to the superintendent," the district added.