PORTLAND, Ore. — Students at two schools in Southwest Portland won't be able to return to their buildings until next school year due to winter storm repairs.
Robert Gray Middle School and Markham Elementary School were extensively damaged during January's winter storms. Portland Public Schools (PPS) had delayed opening the buildings until mid-February. However, the school district announced on Tuesday that both buildings will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.
"Due to the extent of the damage and sheer magnitude of mitigation and repairs, the work will likely not be complete until mid-summer," PPS said in a letter to parents about the status of Robert Gray Middle School. PPS sent a similar letter to parents at Markham Elementary and acknowledged that the update is "incredibly disappointing news."
Students have been attending class at other schools while their buildings are closed.
Robert Gray students have been learning at Jackson Middle School. Some classes have been held in common areas, which parents and teachers told KGW can be disruptive at times.
“There’s a lot of distraction,” said Dan Roberts, a parent of a Robert Gray sixth grader.
Teachers said Jackson Middle School students change classes at different times than Robert Gray students. While students try to be quiet as they pass common areas, it can still lead to distractions for students who are still in class, teachers said.
“It’s not the outcome that we want," Roberts said. "You know, we want our kids to be able to get the education that they deserve.”
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Last weekend, the school district shared a work update on both damaged schools. Crews have been removing damaged pipes, flooring, ceiling tiles and drywall. PPS said that work at both schools has been slowed by asbestos in those materials. Crews test materials they suspect to be hazardous, and if the tests come back positive for asbestos, then they start an asbestos abatement process, PPS explained.
A major challenge is the roof over the lower wing of Robert Gray Middle School.
"The roof has been in poor shape for some time, and last month’s storm only exacerbated the damage," PPS said.
The next phase of work at Markham Elementary includes replacing the building's plumbing system.
"The pipes that weren’t damaged in the storm are so old and worn that a piecemeal approach to issues is no longer sufficient," PPS said. "Total replacement is the most viable and sustainable option."
Markham Elementary's gym floor was also destroyed due to water leaks.
Though while the schools are repaired, Robert Gray parents want a better solution, than the current system.
“Now that we know that Gray is going to be closed for longer, I think that they need to a better job to shore up and make sure that all the teachers actually have the right kind of facilities to actually create a learning environment for kids,” said Jennifer Matson, a Robert Gray parent.
One option parents point to is for the district to add portable classrooms. A PPS spokesperson said they are looking to add portable units.
Both schools will also host virtual meetings for families and staff, to discuss possible solutions. Markham Elementary's meeting on Feb. 15 will be held from 6-7 p.m. Robert Gray Middle School will hold a meeting on Feb. 21 from 6:30-8 p.m.