The loss of the television production studio at Jefferson High Schools is another example of the Portland Public Schools discontinuing something that works at Jefferson to make way for something new because it comes with grant money attached.
I asked my neighbor, a recent high school graduate, about his experience at Jefferson. He said the highlight for him was the classes he took in the television production program. He added that he was enrolling in Portland Community College to continue his work toward a career in TV production.
The latest plan to reorganize Jefferson into small vertical schools starting this fall is another decision based upon the availability of grant money rather than what is in the best interest of students. The school district is sacrificing Jefferson students for financial gain. It's immoral.
The school won't regain its "tradition of excellence" until PPS supports and builds upon the successes at Jefferson, rather than using the school to secure public and private grants for the latest educational experiment on low-income or minority students.
Nicole Breedlove
North Portland
