A new “Scenario D” would keep Maplewood open

There’s real movement in the fight to keep Maplewood open. At Tuesday’s board meeting, our Southwest board member Christy Splitt presented a smaller alternative to the district’s closure scenarios, reported as “Scenario D”, that would keep Maplewood Elementary open. Your emails, testimony and turnout are being heard.

📱 A message from our PTA President, Beckah: “Just a little update, if you need a little hope, you can borrow some of mine!”

View this post on Instagram

📰 What’s on the table, as reported by The Oregonian:

• Scenario D (Splitt) would close six schools instead of up to 14: Creston, Buckman, Woodmere, Sabin, Irvington and Peninsula, all elementaries expected to enroll 250 students or fewer next year. Maplewood is forecast at 278.
• In Southwest Portland, Maplewood and Stephenson would stay open. Splitt would instead start a boundary adjustment process across eight SW elementaries: Ainsworth, Bridlemile, Rieke, Hayhurst, Maplewood, Capitol Hill, Markham and Stephenson.
• Board member Stephanie Engelsman suggests changes to the district’s scenarios, including not closing any school that has had more than $250,000 in bond-funded work. Maplewood had about $1.4 million in 2012 bond funds for its 2015 roof replacement and seismic upgrades.
• Engelsman is also ready to propose moving the vote to February or March, so families can keep pressing the Legislature for a fix.

🎙️ What board members said on Tuesday:

• Splitt called her plan “a beginning of a phased approach” that starts with the smallest schools. Watch
• Engelsman named Maplewood’s seismic work directly: “Maplewood, $1.5 million. It doesn’t feel— honestly, it doesn’t feel ethical or fiscally responsible to spend taxpayer money and then close a building.” Watch
• Board member Patte Sullivan: “it almost seems like maybe the west side doesn’t need it.” Watch
• Board member Virginia La Forte: “I’m not sold,” and asked for more time before the vote. Watch
• Superintendent Armstrong said the draft scenarios were the district’s “best thinking at the time. Our thinking will be updated.” Watch

Thank you to the Maplewood parents who spoke during public comment!

⚠️ This is far from over. Superintendent Armstrong has made no promises, and she’s currently leaning toward Scenario B, which would close Maplewood and 10 other schools. Splitt’s plan still has to be checked by district staff.

🗓️ What’s next: come to the School Impact Conversation with the Superintendent this Saturday, October 24, 4–6 PM at Ida B. Wells High School. Dr. Armstrong is meeting with Maplewood, Stephenson and MLC families to hear our questions in person, so let’s fill the room. RSVP here to help us plan carpools.

Key dates after that:

• November 17: superintendent’s final recommendation
• December 15: board vote

See all upcoming events and ways to help on our Save Maplewood hub page.

🔗 Read more: 2 Portland Public Schools board members pitch alternatives to closing 14 schools (The Oregonian, Oct. 20, 2026, free gift link) · Watch the board discussion

---