Mayor Potter Returns To Jefferson High To Check Progress

PORTLAND  EDUCATION  JEFFERSON  EDUCATION 

By Rob Manning

Portland, OR  May 12, 2008 1:52 p.m.

Portland Mayor Tom Potter and the two leading contenders to succeed him returned to Jefferson High School Monday to tout results and listen, again, to student concerns. Rob Manning reports.

Potter’s week-long visit to the North Portland high school in January was meant to connect leaders to a school that’s often drawn negative media attention.

Four months later, Potter rattled off a list of accomplishments, since his visit, like the launch of a college scholarship, beefed-up mentoring programs, and private donations.

School leaders say the city partnership has brought adults to Jefferson who are now now mentoring, or organizing job fairs.

Sheree Bull is a junior, and the president of Jefferson’s Black Student Union. She’s not satisfied.

Sheree Bull: “I really feel they can really do more, as far as financially, and you know, stop neglecting Jeff. I really feel more work should be done.”

Students questioned why the city partnership seemed to favor certain student groups – like the band, or the boys’ and girls’ academies at Jefferson.

Potter said that leaders were responding to some very specific concerns students raised in January.

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© 2008 OPB