PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Facilities Improvement and Oversight Committee within Portland Public Schools reviewed new cost estimates Tuesday night for the modernization of three of Portland’s oldest high schools.

The latest estimates put the price tag at $1.4 billion — a slight increase from just four months ago, despite efforts to cut square footage to save money.

Plans to modernize Cleveland, Jefferson, and Ida B. Wells high schools are back on track after a pause in December over budget concerns.

Jan Watt, a retired Cleveland teacher who taught at the school for 56 years, said the community has waited long enough.

“We have waited long enough, we've got to do this,” Watt said.

Watt recalls the school building was considered old even when she began teaching there.

“Well, I will tel

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