This week, Portland Public Schools will vote on purchasing the One North property for $37 million to $41 million to house the Center for Black Student Excellence. While fostering student excellence should be the district’s priority, this plan is fiscally reckless and logistically flawed.

PPS faces a $50 million budget shortfall, yet we’re committing to a property with a $271,000 annual operational deficit. When board members questioned this gap—money that could fund teachers or educational assistants—proponents dismissed concerns. One called it a “drop in the bucket.” Another complained that questioning the finances “doesn’t feel very fair.”

For taxpayers facing cuts, such resistance to basic financial scrutiny is unacceptable.

The $16 million building needs $20 million to $25 million

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