2020 Bond work underway

Planning is underway for the modernization of both Cleveland & Ida B. Wells High Schools.  Design and pre-construction work is ongoing for the modernization of the historic Jefferson High School as well as work on new technology to support classrooms, plus roofing and HVAC projects in several schools. The 2020 Bond also looks to the future by conceptualizing an exciting new project, The Center for Black Student Excellence.

Citizen-led Bond Accountability Committee
The Bond Accountability Committee (BAC) communicates key information related to the bond program to the School Board, public groups, organizations and stakeholders.  The last BAC meeting was on July 24th, 2024. To watch a recording of that meeting click here.  To view the meeting presentation click here.

The next BAC meeting is on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, from 5:30PM - 8:00PM.  More details to come!

View the July 24th 2024 meeting presentation slides here.

Sign up for public comment (Please submit your request by 2p.m. on meeting dates)
To sign up for public comment for the BAC, email schoolmodernization@pps.net with your full name, topic, date, school community, and contact phone number. Public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting with two 2-minute time slots. Requests for Public Comment will be scheduled in the order that they are received. Topics must be related to an item on the agenda. Written comments may be submitted to schoolmodernization@pps.net and those will be shared with the BAC.

Bond Performance Audits
The PPS Bond Program undergoes regular performance audits conducted by external agencies.
To view all Bond Program audits, visit the PPS audit page.

Community Engagement

Significant community engagement is a priority as we rebuild our schools. Public Design Workshops continue to provided students and school communities the opportunity to help shape the designs of the schools that will be modernized and rebuilt. Design Advisory Groups and Master Planning Committees comprised of students, families and community stakeholders also provide feedback for the PPS Design Teams. View the Grant Modernization Public Engagement Video.

Rebuild Projects

Benson Polytechnic and the new Multiple Pathways to Graduation building opened in August 2024. Lincoln High School reopened in the fall of 2022.  Leodis V. McDaniel High School and Kellogg Middle School were completed in 2021.

The Lincoln rebuild project is a new multi-story building with performing arts spaces, student commons, an expanded gymnasium facility and state-of-the art classrooms. The new building opened in 2022. The new track and field, grandstand and early childhood center opened in August 2023.

The Leodis V. McDaniel modernization includes over 170,000 square feet of new construction, including a theater, commons and gym that will blend seamlessly with the historic mid-century modern building.

The new Kellogg Middle School includes a performing arts stage, a multi-purpose gym and assembly space, a large, flexible commons space, and dedicated outdoor learning spaces. The school is now a focal point of its Southeast Portland neighborhood.

Benson Polytechnic will open in summer 2024

Construction is almost complete for the modernization of the historic Benson Polytechnic High School. The school will reopen for the start of the 2024-25 school year.

Thank you voters

Thank you voters for supporting the 2012, 2017 and 2020 Bonds. The Office of School Modernization is continuing the important work of rebuilding our aging schools, making them all safer, more sustainable and better equipped for 21^st century learning.

See All The Bond Projects

View the interactive Bond Program Map that allows you to see all the projects PPS has done to date.  You can sort by school, the type of work done and lots more. 

Check out Bond project videos here.

Get Connected
For more information about school building improvement bond projects, email schoolmodernization@pps.net
or call us at 503-916-2222

Bond Details & Timeline
The 1.2 billion-dollar 2020 School Bond allows PPS to continue the vital work of improving our aging school buildings in several key areas as well as upgrading important educational infrastructure issues. For details about the 2020 projects visit this page.

The $790 million, May 2017 Health Safety and Modernization Bond modernizes or rebuilds three high schools and one middle school and at least $150 million is dedicated toward resolving health and safety concerns at schools across the district.

The now completed $482 million, 2012 School Building Improvement Bond modernized three high schools, rebuilt one K-8 school and provided seismic improvements, science classroom upgrades, increased accessibility, and new roof projects at 51 schools.

Bond Guiding Principles
In June 2012, the Portland School Board adopted a ten-year school facilities plan. Learn more about the plan, and the process to develop it, on the Long Range Facilities Plan webpage.

View the approved District Education Specifications for Comprehensive High Schools (Ed Specs)

Bond Program Overview

View a summary of the three PPS Bond Programs from 2012, 2017, & 2020