Advocacy
Click to view the Safe Structures Resolution.
An Open Letter to the Beverly Cleary School Community
Understanding Seismic Risk and How We Can Take Action
The seismic risks at our schools are real — and while that can feel overwhelming, there are actions we can take together to make a difference.
Know the Facts
- Seismic Safety is Now a PPS Priority.
On May 6, 2025, the PPS School Board unanimously passed a resolution prioritizing seismic safety for elementary and middle schools. - Funding is in Place.
Thanks to the May 2025 School Bond, the district has committed $90 million in reserve and cost-savings funds specifically for seismic upgrades. - What’s Next: A Districtwide Plan.
PPS is now developing a plan to prioritize retrofit projects based on: - Building structural risk factors
- Student occupancy and equity considerations
- The needs of vulnerable populations
About Beverly Cleary (Fernwood)
In 2023, PPS hired the engineering firm Holmes to assess how each school would perform in a major earthquake. The final report, published in August 2025, found that many PPS schools need major seismic upgrades.
Beverly Cleary (Fernwood) – Key Findings
- Seismic Risk Score: 9.9 out of 10
- Building Type: Contains unreinforced masonry and other structural weaknesses
- Age: Original sections built in the 1920s–1930s (pre-modern seismic standards)
What This Means for Safety
- Parts of Fernwood’s main building could face partial or total collapse in a large earthquake.
- Falling walls, parapets, and chimneys pose life-safety hazards.
- Evacuation and emergency response would be difficult due to building age and layout.
Estimated Retrofit Cost
- Full campus upgrade: ~$18.6 million
Includes wall strengthening, roof and floor anchoring, and reinforcement of hazardous masonry.
(Partial fixes are not considered sufficient for life safety.)
How You Can Take Action
- Stay Informed & Prepared
Participate in earthquake safety and preparedness efforts at school, starting with the Great Shakeout event at BCS from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Cafetorium on October 18. - Support a BCS Parent-Led Safety Committee
Join or volunteer to help coordinate safety advocacy. Contact pta-all@beverlyclearyschool.org if you’d like to help get this started to connect with the school’s Safety Committee, in partnership with Parent Rep Catalina Gonzalez. - Engage with PPS Leadership
Demand a clear, prioritized seismic plan — and community involvement in the process. - PPS Board Calendar: View meetings here
- Subscribe for Meeting Notices: Email kbradshaw@pps.net
- Watch or Comment Live: Public meetings & livestream info
- Help build a coalition
Reach out to families at other high-risk schools. Share this information and encourage them to engage their PTAs, principals, and PPS Board members in this discussion and in the advocacy. Working together across PPS is a crucial way to demand the District develop a clear, transparent plan and acts on the plan with urgency.
How Many Schools Are at High Risk?
According to the Holmes Report, 23 PPS schools scored above 9.0 on a 10-point risk scale — representing over 14,000 students.
Top-Risk Schools (9.5 and higher):
- Fernwood (Beverly Cleary) – 9.9
- Jackson – 9.8
- Rose City Park – 9.8
- Lee – 9.7
- Buckman – 9.6
- Rieke – 9.6
- Kelly – 9.5
Stay Connected & Amplify the Message
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