In Beaverton, talk of school closures sparks debate over ‘mega’ elementary schools

The Beaverton School District is floating potential closure of up to four small neighborhood elementary schools in the coming years, citing the need to balance both declining enrollment and the spiraling maintenance costs in some of its older school buildings. But — in a preview of a dynamic that’s likely to repeat itself across the Portland metro area in the coming years — families are mobilizing against any potential change, citing the emotional and educational wallop of closing cherished neighborhood …