** Updated 9/30/12 **
BPHSAA President, Rob Johns ’77, sent this letter on behalf of the Alumni Association to the superintendent, school board and athletic director outlining our collective thoughts on the matter.

** Updated 9/6/13 **
PPS has come up with a new proposal that aims to reinvigorate the PIL by putting all Portland High Schools in the 6A classification.  This will ensure that all intraleague games will take place in Portland.  Benson and Jefferson will keep their sports programs, but with a reduced number of sports available.  You can read more about the district’s new proposal over at their website.  You can also watch the press conference announcing the proposal below:

There is a public input session scheduled for Wednesday, 9/18 from 6:30pm-8:30pm, at Franklin High School (map).

A second public input session has been schedule for Wednesday, 9/25 from 6:30pm-8:30pm, at Grant High School (map).

This proposal is not set in stone, but it looks to be a step in the right direction.

 

** Updated 9/5/13 **
The Portland Tribune’s Jennifer Anderson recently filed a report examining the proposal.  She also reported comments from former Benson principal, Carol Campbell, regarding her thoughts on the proposal.  You can read more over at the Portland Tribune.

 

** Original Post **
According to KATU news, PPS is considering an array of options to cut athletics costs and bolster surviving rosters.  As enrollment at some local high schools has decreased, it has become increasingly difficult to field full teams at those schools.  Of the four existing options outlined by KATU, only one has Benson’s athletic program surviving the cuts.

Read KATU’s story over at their website.

One additional option would be to stop artificially limiting Benson’s enrollment so that its enrollment would be able to support the full academics and athletics programs that it has enjoyed over the past century.

If you are interested in voicing your concern to the PPS School Board, you can find their contact information here.