Portland Considers Consolidating Middle Schools

Proposal could mean closing 125-year-old Lincoln Middle School

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:50am

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Portland Public Schools is considering consolidating its middle schools into a two-campus model, which could result in the closure of the 125-year-old Lincoln Middle School. The proposal has faced pushback from some parents and teachers who want to preserve the historic school.

Why it matters

Middle school enrollment in Portland has declined in recent years, with Lincoln seeing the most significant drop at 23%. The consolidation plan aims to deepen and improve the middle school experience, but it has raised concerns about the future of the long-standing Lincoln Middle School.

The details

According to data from Portland Public Schools, overall middle school enrollment has declined since 2022, with Lincoln Middle School seeing the largest drop at 23%. Lyman Moore Middle School saw just under a 6% decline, while King Middle School was down only 4.6%. Lincoln also reports the largest average cost per student, at more than $19,000, compared to the other two middle schools. School officials say the goal is to have the two-campus model in place by August 2027.

  • Middle school enrollment has declined since 2022.
  • Portland Public Schools aims to have the two-campus model in place by August 2027.

The players

Audrey Cabral

A teacher at Portland Public Schools who is pushing back against the consolidation proposal.

Portland Public Schools

The school district that is considering consolidating its middle schools into a two-campus model.

Lincoln Middle School

A 125-year-old middle school that could be closed as a result of the consolidation plan.

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What they’re saying

“It has taken a lot of work to get Lincoln where it is, and I just want to remind the board to think things through.”

— Audrey Cabral, Teacher, Portland Public Schools

What’s next

The Portland Public Schools board will decide whether to move forward with the consolidation plan and the potential closure of Lincoln Middle School.

The takeaway

The proposed consolidation of Portland's middle schools highlights the challenges facing school districts with declining enrollment, as they balance the need for cost-effective operations with preserving historic educational institutions that have served the community for generations.