Portland school officials are considering a limited remote learning option for students as concerns grow over increased ICE activity in Maine. Superintendent Ryan Scallon said some parents have requested a transition to remote learning. On Friday alone, more than 1,000 students were absent from Portland schools, with district leaders attributing many of those absences to fear tied to recent ICE operations. “Schools cannot function at their best when this kind of fear is present,” said School Board Chair Sarah Lentz. School leaders say they will spend the next several weeks determining which students could benefit most from a remote learning option before making any decisions.