Rose City Park

Seismic Safety

ADVOCATING FOR A SAFER SCHOOL
AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY

Understanding Portland’s Earthquake Risk

Scientists estimate there is about a 37% chance of a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake (magnitude 8.0 or greater) within the next 50 years. A full Cascadia rupture could shake the Portland area for four to seven minutes, followed by numerous aftershocks large enough to cause additional damage. Portland also has moderate magnitude quakes (M 4-5) roughly once per year. Both major and moderate earthquakes can damage buildings and put students, teachers, and staff at risk.

About Rose City Park Elementary

According to a seismic assessment report, published in August 2025, Rose City Park Elementary School (RCP) received a seismic rating of 9.8 out of 10, one of the worst in the district . The school needs major seismic upgrades or replacement to be safe in a strong earthquake.

What This Means For Safety

  • Rose City Park Elementary School’s main building could face partial or total collapse in even a moderate earthquake.
  • Falling walls, parapets, and chimneys pose life-safety hazards.
  • Evacuation and emergency response would be difficult due to building age and layout.

A bond passed in May 2025 requires PPS to fix the riskiest schools. RCP is currently earmarked as one of two schools that will receive a full seismic upgrade  using a portion of this bond money (the other school is Beverly Cleary K-8). We’re advocating for transparency from the school board as these major improvements are defined and implemented.

Before the next major earthquake, we need to make sure RCP Elementary is a safe shelter for students, staff, and the whole community.

rose city park elementary school

ABOUT THE BUILDING

Much of the Rose City Park Elementary School campus is 90 years old, has minimal strengthening, and contains unreinforced masonry (URM). URM is one of the most dangerous structural types in an earthquake.

rcp urm drawing

THE SAFETY HAZARDS

Life safety risk is highest in the 1935 URM sections, which is the vast majority of the school. This is where collapse and falling debris are most likely. Hazards include parapet collapse, falling masonry, and brittle concrete shear walls.

art & illustration

ESTIMATED RETROFIT COST

The construction cost of a complete seismic upgrade of Rose City Park Elementary School is estimated to be about $21 million.

About us

The RCP Seismic Safety committee is a group of parents and teachers concerned about this issue. Our current members are Caitlin Burkhart, Elizabeth Van Brocklin, Emily Jorgenson, Sylvan Cambier, Jessica Swift, Casey Bolthouse, and Caitlin Dwyer Young.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join us in the effort to advocate for our RCP and to hold the PPS Board accountable to seismic upgrades at our schools! Contact rcpseismicsafety@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved. (No experience necessary. Your care and concern qualify you.)

FOR PARENTS

Stay Informed

Get Prepared

Advocate

Attend PPS School Board meetings and speak during public comment to share why seismic upgrades at RCP and other PPS schools matter.

📅 PPS Board Calendar: View meetings here

📧 Subscribe for Meeting Notices: Email kbradshaw@pps.net

🎥 Watch or Comment Live: Public meetings & livestream info


FOR SCHOOL STAFF + ADMINISTRATORS

  • Identify “safer zones” within the school (away from URM walls, chimneys, parapets).
  • Keep emergency supplies (first aid, tarps, shovels, radios, buckets, food, water) nearby.
  • Practice regular earthquake and evacuation drills using the most updated guidance.
  • Work with PPS facilities to monitor falling-hazard risks.
  • Communicate transparently with families about risks and safety planning.
  • Collaborate with community emergency response groups to coordinate resources in case of building failure.
  • Plan for reunification with the District; identify reunification sites; and compile a Reunification Operation Kit.
  • Communicate Clearly with Parents, Students, and Staff
    • Communication is a cornerstone of effective crisis response before, during, and after an event. Miscommunication leads to panic, delays, and distrust. Before an event, ensure parents and guardians know what reunification is; where to go; what to bring (ID); and how they’ll be notified in an emergency
  • Plan for post-event relocation, since the building is unlikely to reopen quickly after a major quake.
CONTACT US