A better Benson High School or a bygone Benson High?
By Kimberly Melton, The Oregonian
May 02, 2010, 7:33AM
Abiola Aderonmu, Sandra Dao, Jazmin Jackson, and Brenda Dao joined classmates at Tuesday’s rally. Students erupted in cheers as passing cars and trucks honked in support.Benson High students, staff and alumni are still reeling from news this week that their vocationally focused school may be converted into a two-year tech center, sacrificing what they see as Benson's proud 102-year-old legacy and strong achievement.
Some even point the finger at Portland Public Schools, saying district decisions helped make Benson vulnerable as Superintendent Carole Smith set out to restructure the district's high schools to even out enrollments and offerings.
But in east Multnomah County, educators who work with programs similar to what Benson could become say supporters shouldn't lose hope. Students in two-year vocational programs still develop relationships with teachers; get internships and hands-on learning; and balance attending both a neighborhood school and a career-tech program.
Under Smith's plan, rolled out Monday and set for fall 2011, Benson Polytechnic High School would cease to be a four-year school. Sports programs would end. No one would receive a Benson diploma. Yet its offerings would reach more students, who would attend part time as