Portland Public Schools (PPS) is in the process of forming a ham radio club. Molly Emmons, the emergency preparedness manager for PPS, has requested that MCARES provide consultation to the group as they put their new organization together. Initially, the membership will be made up of faculty and staff. Once things are up and running, students will be encouraged to participate. This may lead to incorporating ham technology into the curriculum at some point in the future.
It is envisioned that one of the major benefits of forming this club will be to have AROs located in school facilities all across the district. This could have a huge impact on communication connectivity during times of extreme emergency.
Steve Konrad AF7DD and Steve Hall W7SRH made a presentation to 35 faculty of the PPS on April 27 at the club’s initial organizational meeting. Attendees were introduced to ARES involvement in emergency communications and community service activities. Steve Konrad is helping Molly coordinate a study process for those interested in becoming licensed which will culminate in a test session scheduled for June 11.
PPS is also partnering with Multnomah County government and Portland Bureau of Emergency Management regarding other preparedness efforts.
PPS is a Pre K-12 district with an enrollment of approximately 48,500 students and 3,000 teachers. About 85 schools and 50 special needs sites are maintained within the district.