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Ida B. Wells Modernization Planning & Design
On May 7th, 2024, the PPS School Board approved the comprehensive plan for a new Ida B Wells High School to be built to the west of the existing school on the multipurpose field. Students will stay on site in the existing school during construction.
The new IBW will be a larger four-story building with state-of-the-art academic and support spaces, including specialized instructional spaces for Well’s unique Career Technical Education [CTE] programs. The Portland Parks and Recreation swimming pool will remain in its current location and is not part of this project, but parking and access to the pool facility will be improved. A full complement of athletic fields will be provided.
IBW Massing Rendering (Not actual colors or materials)
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Upcoming Public Ida B. Wells Modernization Meetings
The next IBW Design Workshop is on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd from 6pm–8pm in the IBW Cafeteria.
Appetizer available at 5:30pm.
The next DAG #8 Meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 3rd from 6pm-8pm in the IBW Library.
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Ida B. Wells Design Advisory Group (DAG)
The Ida B. Wells High School Design Advisory Group meets regularly during the design phase and includes students, teachers, alumni, industry professionals, parents, school programs, potential site and/or capital partners, school administration and a school board representative. This group is involved in developing the design of the new Ida B. Wells High School by providing feedback on design details and options proposed by the project team. DAG members perform in an advisory role only. Decisions on project details are the responsibility of the Office of School Modernization in collaboration with other District leadership.
Latest IBW DAG Meeting Materials
Ida B. Wells DAG Charter
Ida B. Wells DAG Code of Conduct
More Information about Ida B. Wells Modernization Planning & Design
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Ida B. Wells Design Advisory Group Meeting Materials
Ida B. Wells Design Advisory Group Meeting Materials
- DAG #7 Meeting Presentation 06-05-25
- DAG #7 Meeting Minutes 06-05-25
- DAG #7 Public Comments 06-05-25
- DAG #6 Meeting Presentation 04-09-25
- DAG #6 Meeting Minutes 04-09-25
- DAG #5 Meeting Presentation 10-23-24
- DAG #5 Meeting Minutes 10-23-24
- DAG #4 Meeting Presentation 9-18-24
- DAG #4 Meeting Minutes 9-18-24
- DAG #3 Welcoming Spaces Survey Results 9-16-24
- DAG #3 Meeting Presentation 8-14-24
- DAG #3 Meeting Minutes 8-14-24
- DAG #2 Meeting Presentation 6-20-24
- DAG #2 Meeting Minutes 6-20-24
- DAG #1 Meeting Presentation 5-20-24
- DAG #1 Meeting Minutes 5-20-24
- IBW Community Agreements
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Ida B Wells Timeline
Project Timeline
Planning and Design began in early fall of 2023 with the development of a Ida B. Wells Comprehensive Plan. The Planning and Design phase will continue into 2026. The passage of the May 2025 Bond provided the district funding for construction. A final schedule for construction is currently in development.
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Ida B Wells Comprehensive Planning Committee (2022-24)
Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC)
The Ida B. Wells Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC) is a group of school and community stakeholder representatives who work together to help provide feedback for the Ida B. Wells Comprehensive Plan. The Committee includes parents, teachers, students, alumni, PPS staff and partners, community representatives and a school board member. While CPC members do not make decisions, their input is crucial in creating a design that the entire Ida B. Wells community will be proud of.
Ida B. Wells (CPC) Documents
Ida B. Wells (CPC) Meeting Information
- CPC Mtg #1 Presentation 10-11-23
- CPC Mtg #1 Video 10-11-23
- CPC Mtg #2 Presentation 10-26-23
- CPC Mtg #2 Meeting Notes 10-26-23
- CPC Mtg #2 Video 10-26-23
- CPC Mtg #3 Presentation 12-6-23
- CPC Mtg #3 Meeting Notes 12-6-23
- CPC Mtg #3 Video 12-6-23
- CPC Mtg #4 Presentation 1-22-24
- CPC Mtg #4 Meeting Notes 1-22-24
- CPC Mtg #4 Video 1-22-24
- CPC Mtg #5 Presentation 2-22-24
- CPC Mtg #5 Meeting Notes
- CPC Mtg #5 Video 2-22-24
- CPC Mtg #6 Presentation 3-13-24
- CPC Mtg #6 Meeting Notes 3-13-24
- CPC Mtg #6 Video 3-13-24
Ida B. Wells Design Workshop Materials
- Design Workshop #1 Presentation 10-29-23
- Design Workshop #1 Meeting Report 10-29-23
- Design Workshop #2 Presentation 12-17-23
- Design Workshop #2 Meeting Report 12-17-24
- Design Workshop #3 Presentation 2-3-24
- Design Workshop #3 Meeting notes/Report 2-3-24
- Design Workshop #3 Video 2-3-24
- Design Workshop #4 Presentation 9-22-2024
- Design Workshop #4 Presentation Boards 9-22-2024
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Ida B Wells Comprehensive Plan (2024)
Comprehensive Plan
On May 7th, 2024, the PPS School Board approved the comprehensive plan for a new Ida B Wells High School to be built to the west of the existing school on the multipurpose field. Students will stay on site in the existing school during construction. The new IBW will be a larger four-story building with state-of-the-art academic and support spaces, including specialized instructional spaces for Well’s unique Career Technical Education [CTE] programs. The track and field will be relocated and reoriented, creating a more inviting approach to campus from the Capitol Highway side of the site. The Portland Parks and Recreation swimming pool will remain in its current location and is not part of this project, but parking and access to the pool facility will be improved.
A full complement of athletic fields will be provided, and the existing fields on the Rieke side of the campus will be upgraded. Two Southwest Trails through the site will be upgraded.
View the April 2024 IBW comprehensive plan report
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Ida B Wells Design & Construction Teams
Design Team
Bora Architecture has deep K-12 experience and a strong history of successful projects with PPS, including Faubion PK-8 and the rebuilt Lincoln High School. They are also a national leader in the design of performing arts spaces.
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Ida B Wells Conceptual Master Planning (2019)
Conceptual Master Planning
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Get Connected
For more information about school building improvement bond projects, email schoolmodernization@pps.net or call us at 503-916-2222
