South Portland schools may delay elementary school reconfiguration

The School Board may vote in two weeks on whether to delay the process.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:07pm

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An abstract, impressionistic image of blurred, colorful shapes representing children playing on a school playground, conveying a sense of the community's investment in their local elementary schools.As South Portland schools consider delaying a major reconfiguration plan, the community seeks more time to provide input and address concerns.Portland Today

The South Portland School Board is considering delaying the reconfiguration of the district's elementary schools, which was previously scheduled to take effect in September. The board has scheduled a special meeting on April 29 to vote on whether to slow down the process, after receiving feedback from the community urging them to do so.

Why it matters

The elementary school reconfiguration plan, which includes closing one school and reorganizing the remaining four by grade level, has been a contentious issue in the community. Delaying the changes would allow for more time to gather input and address concerns from parents and teachers.

The details

Two weeks ago, the school board voted to close James O. Kaler Elementary School and reconfigure the remaining four elementary schools by grade-level groups. However, the board has since received feedback from the community urging them to slow down the process. As a result, the board has scheduled a special meeting on April 29 to vote on whether to delay the reconfiguration.

  • The school board voted to close Kaler Elementary and reconfigure the remaining schools two weeks ago.
  • The board has scheduled a special meeting on April 29 to vote on whether to delay the reconfiguration process.

The players

Rosemarie De Angelis

The chair of the South Portland School Board.

Eleni Richardson

A member of the South Portland School Board who will serve on a committee to work with representatives from all schools.

Tyler Smith

A member of the South Portland School Board who will serve on a committee to work with representatives from all schools.

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What they’re saying

“The focus at this point is on Kaler.”

— Rosemarie De Angelis, School Board Chair

What’s next

The school board will vote on whether to delay the elementary school reconfiguration process at a special meeting on April 29.

The takeaway

The South Portland School Board is responding to community feedback by considering a delay in the planned elementary school reconfiguration, which includes closing one school and reorganizing the remaining four. This will allow more time for input and to address concerns from parents and teachers.