PORTLAND — Records show two-thirds of schools in Oregon’s largest district lack sufficient fire safety equipment.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Wednesday that records it received show 60 of Portland Public Schools’ 89 schools lack up-to-date alarm systems, complete fire sensor coverage or other life-saving equipment required by fire and rescue standards.
District officials acknowledged they need to do a better job of prioritizing repairs. They voted in March to place the largest school construction bond in state history on the upcoming ballot — a $790 million bond.
But even with the bond money, Portland schools would not be fully outfitted.
Officials estimate it would cost $131 million to put complete fire systems in all its schools. The district’s plan is to devote one-fifth that amount to schools in need.
