More than 50 parents at Peninsula Elementary School in North Portland have signed a letter urging Portland Public Schools (PPS) to address what they describe as unsafe conditions and inadequate staffing in classrooms.

According to reporting by KGW, the concerns stem from ongoing behavioral issues and a lack of support for special education students. In December, staff members represented by several school unions joined parents in filing a formal grievance against the district, citing what they described as worsening safety conditions and a shortage of qualified support personnel.

Peninsula Elementary, classified as a neighborhood school, integrates students receiving special education services into standard classrooms. Currently, only kindergarten and first-grade classes are integrated, but educators claim that behavioral challenges have become increasingly frequent and severe.

Teachers and staff allege that they have raised concerns for over a year without resolution. The grievance reportedly calls for enhanced staffing levels, reliable administrative backing, and better-defined services for students with intensive educational and behavioral needs.

In response to questions from KGW, Portland Public Schools confirmed that a grievance had been submitted and stated that the district “is following the grievance process which includes meeting with the parties to solve the issues at the lowest possible level.”

The situation at Peninsula Elementary reflects broader concerns across the district and region about staffing levels, behavioral intervention resources, and special education service delivery—issues closely monitored by educators and parents as PPS continues to grapple with recovery from pandemic-era disruptions.