An annual Portland Public Schools bond performance audit by Sjoberg Evashenk Consulting found the district has delivered on its promises to voters but not without significant delays and cost overruns on a few key projects.
The audit, which covers fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and was first reported by The Oregonian, found concerns similar to those already widely reported, including delays on modernization projects such as Jefferson High School and the Center for Black Student Excellence. It also found the School Board’s last-minute quest to cut costs at Cleveland and Ida B. Wells high schools could ultimately contribute to more delays, which could result in higher costs due to general market cost escalation, among other factors.
Auditors also flagged disconnects between the district’s Bond Accountability Committee and the School Board, including that board members weren’t receiving quarterly reports from the bond oversight panel. In all, the audit made 23 new recommendations…