Markham Elementary School in Portland, Oregon will not re-open for the 2024-2025 school year due to extensive damage from the January 2024 ice storm, and students will instead study at Jackson Middle School until further notice.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The ongoing closures for Markham Elementary School just got longer as district officials confirmed the schools will not reopen during the 2024-2025 school year.
The school underwent extensive damage after the January 2024 ice storm forced Portland Public Schools to prioritize repairs for their plumbing and fire alarm systems. In the meantime, students were relocated to nearby schools.
That move, however, is proving less temporary as months pass.
Last month, the school district told families Markham Elementary would not be ready to open in time for the start of 2024’s fall term. Thursday’s announcement extended the delay through the rest of the academic year.
Students will instead study at Jackson Middle School until further notice, according to a letter sent to families on Monday.
“We understand that some families and staff might have concerns about bringing elementary school students onto the campus of a middle school, but we are fully committed to ensuring that Markham students and staff are supported, and have everything they need to thrive,” the letter read.
The district will host a virtual community meeting on Thursday, April 25 from 5-6 p.m.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
