Portland, Ore. – Families with children enrolled in Portland Public Schools’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program are urging the district to reconsider its consolidation plan, which would move students into a single Spanish‑language hub at César Chávez Elementary. Parents argue the proposal was made without meaningful consultation and could divide children by language, disrupt friendships, and create logistical challenges.
Parents describe the program’s value
Rudy Ulin, whose son attends James John Elementary and daughter attends George Middle School, praised the DLI experience as “fantastic… part of who they are. It’s their culture.” Similarly, Dominica Gonzalez, a mother of third‑ and fifth‑graders at Beach Elementary, highlighted the program’s role in preserving heritage and fostering academic growth.
District’s “rightsizing” plan
Facing a $65 million budget shortfall, the school board proposed consolidating DLI students into a centralized “Spanish hub” at César Chávez. The plan would shift families from multiple neighborhood schools into one location, a move the district says is necessary to balance resources and maintain fiscal responsibility. PPS officials note that DLI programs are not mandated by law, giving the board flexibility to restructure.
Community concerns
Both Ulin and Gonzalez said they were never consulted before the proposal was announced. They worry that the consolidation will limit access to translation services and culturally relevant materials. “Finding the right website, finding the right translation, the opportunity to translate is there, but is it appropriate?” Gonzalez asked.
Transportation is another major issue. Many families rely on public transit, and a single hub could increase commute times and costs. “We will have to depend on public transportation,” Gonzalez said.
After‑school program schedules and pickup times also vary across schools, creating further complications for working parents. Safety concerns were raised as well, with Ulin noting that concentrating all Spanish‑language programs in one building could make it a “perfect target for ICE.”
Emotional impact on students
Parents fear the plan will break friendships built over years. “Our kids are having such a great education, a great experience at the school. Losing that and knowing that some of their friends won’t follow… it’s heartbreaking,” Ulin said. The prospect of separating classmates has left many families “sad” and “disappointed.”
District response
PPS officials defended the consolidation, emphasizing that the DLI programs are not legally required and that the board must address the significant budget gap. They argue the plan will ultimately preserve more bilingual opportunities by concentrating resources.
Next steps
A Spanish‑language meeting is scheduled at César Chávez on Monday, giving parents a chance to voice their concerns directly to district leaders. The district continues to meet with families as it refines the proposal.
As the debate unfolds, Portland parents remain hopeful that their input will shape a solution that protects bilingual education, respects family logistics, and upholds community safety.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
