Announcing Our New Superintendent

Announcing Our New Superintendent
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Dear PPS Community,


We’re excited to announce that the Portland School Board will meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) to vote to approve the appointment of Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong as our next superintendent. Dr. Armstrong, former Chief Academic Officer for PPS, is just what the district needs in this time of opportunity and challenge.


She has a demonstrated record of advancing student achievement, addressing racial inequities, and closing the achievement gap for students of color through her dynamic approach to classroom innovation, curriculum enhancement, and professional development.

In addition to her academic and professional credentials she is ready to start on Day One, bringing a deep understanding of Oregon, Portland and PPS as a parent, educational leader and an active member of the community.


The Board led a comprehensive and inclusive selection process, guided by clear criteria for finding an authentic and inclusive, transparent, fiscally accountable educational leader committed to advancing equity. A nationwide search culminated in a series of staff, student and community engagements with the final candidates.


We are confident that her experience as a teacher, a coach, a principal, a parent and national educational leader, as well as a former intercollegiate basketball player, will translate to the kind of visionary leadership and community teamwork needed to propel PPS into a new era of excellence.


Please join us in welcoming Dr. Armstrong back to PPS on July 1, 2024.

Thank you for your commitment and support for Portland Public Schools.


Regards,


Portland Public Schools Board of Education


  • Gary Hollands - Chair
  • Herman Greene - Vice-Chair
  • Julia Brim-Edwards
  • Michelle DePass
  • Andrew Scott
  • Patte Sullivan
  • Eddie Wang
  • Frankie Silverstein, Student Representative

More About Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong

Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, author of Intersectional Leadership: Strategies for Building Resilient Workforces, began her educational career as a public school teacher in the Puyallup School District (WA) and has since devoted over two decades to various roles in elementary, middle, and high schools, with a focus on leading and supporting staff. She serves as Deputy Superintendent in Vancouver, Washington. Dr. Armstrong's previous roles include cabinet-level Chief Academic Officer in Portland Public Schools (OR), Executive Director of Equity and Public Relations in Edmonds School District (WA), Assistant Superintendent in Tamalpais Union High School District (CA), and Associate Superintendent in Santa Rosa City Schools (CA). Her leadership journey includes serving as principal at Kenmore Junior High and later at Mount Miguel High School (CA).


Dr. Armstrong earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from California State University East Bay, Masters in Business Administration from City University of Seattle and later obtained a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a Washington State Superintendent Certification from the University of Washington.


Dr. Armstrong's unwavering dedication to learning and empowerment extends to her active involvement in community service and academic enhancement. Her commitment is demonstrated through her roles as head girls' basketball coach at Renton High School and Emerald Ridge High School, inspired by four years of intercollegiate basketball experiences at City College of San Francisco and California State University, East Bay.


Dr. Armstrong is determined to create an environment that is adaptable, supportive, and empowers individuals to thrive as their authentic selves.

Portland Public Schools
https://www.pps.net/
Portland Public Schools aspires to graduate compassionate, critical thinkers who are able to collaborate to solve problems, and lead a more socially-just world. Central to this goal is affirming and operationalizing our deeply held community value of racial equity, social justice and inclusion.