Beaverton Parents Concerned Over Potential Multi-Grade Classrooms at West Tualatin View Elementary Beaverton families are expressing alarm over potential changes to classroom structures at West Tualatin View Elementary School amid ongoing budget constraints in the Beaverton School District. According to a communication from Principal Scarlet Valentine, the school may operate with only 10 classroom teachers for the upcoming academic year, which could necessitate blended, multi-grade classrooms where teachers instruct students from two different grade levels simultaneously. The news prompted approximately a dozen families to visit the school on a recent grading day—when teachers were working but students had the day off—to voice their concerns. Parents reported feeling frustrated by the limited information provided about the timing and specifics of the proposed changes. Marley Long, a fifth-grade student at the school, shared her worries about losing access to her current teachers and the uncertainty surrounding blended learning environments. “We all love our teachers here,” Marley said, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many families in the neighborhood. Her mother, Kelly Long, emphasized that the lack of detailed communication has heightened anxiety among parents, who are seeking clarity on when decisions will be finalized and how the changes would impact daily instruction. Interim Superintendent Michael Scholfield confirmed to KATU that staffing plans for the 2026-27 school year remain under review and have not been finalized. He noted that district-level budget pressures are influencing staffing decisions across multiple schools, though specific allocations for West Tualatin View Elementary are still being determined. The situation reflects broader financial challenges facing Oregon school districts, including declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding. Similar concerns have emerged in neighboring districts, where officials are evaluating reductions in teaching staff, program cuts, and adjustments to academic calendars to address budget shortfalls. West Tualatin View Elementary continues to offer a range of student programs, including dual language initiatives, mental health and well-being services, immigrant and refugee family support, and extracurricular activities such as a skateboarding unit in physical education and pen pal programs connecting students with senior residents. However, families fear that staffing reductions could compromise the school’s ability to sustain these offerings at current levels. As the Beaverton School District works to balance its budget for the coming year, parents at West Tualatin View Elementary are advocating for transparent communication and opportunities to provide input before any final decisions are made regarding classroom configurations and teacher assignments.
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