Celebrating the Class of 2025
As we wrap up the school year, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the Class of 2025. Our graduates have shown resilience, growth, and determination — and we couldn’t be prouder.
Whether heading to college, careers, or new adventures, each student carries the strength of their journey and the support of the MESD community.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your future is bright—and just beginning.
For the rest of the team MESD, we extend our heartfelt recognition to all students, educators, and families for their hard work and dedication. Stay tuned for updates that continue to support our vibrant educational community.
Giving Flowers
Thank you, Director Helen Ying!
June 10th marks Director Ying’s final meeting as a member of the MESD Board of Directors.
Director Helen Ying has been a steadfast advocate and leader within the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) since joining the Board of Directors in 2017. With over 30 years of experience as a mathematics teacher, high school counselor, and vice principal, she brought a deep understanding of educational systems to her role.
Throughout her tenure, Director Ying championed equity and inclusion, striving to ensure that ALL students, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized communities, received the support needed to thrive. She played a pivotal role in developing and implementing culturally inclusive programming and emphasized the importance of holding the district accountable to success metrics. Her efforts aimed to increase the visibility of MESD's work so that families could better understand how the district supports student success.
Beyond her work with MESD, Director Ying remains deeply engaged in the broader community. She currently serves as the National Vice President of Education for the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, a commissioner for the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, and a trustee of the Portland State University Foundation Board. Previously, she held roles as secretary of the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus and as a member of the Oregon Department of Education's Ethnic Studies Advisory Group.
As Director Ying concludes her service with MESD, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her commitment to educational equity and her dedication to the students and families of Multnomah County. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on our district, and her contributions will continue to inspire our work moving forward.
AI Empowered EDU 2025 Brings Human-Centered Innovation to the Forefront
On May 13, more than 300 educators and school leaders gathered at the University of Portland for the second annual AI Empowered EDU Conference, co-hosted by Multnomah ESD, Clackamas ESD, Northwest Regional ESD, and the University of Portland. The event explored how AI can support more inclusive, equitable, and future-ready learning.
The day opened with live music from NWRESD’s G Bundy—an intentional reminder that creativity and human connection are central to education, even in an AI-driven future. Keynote speakers Matt Mervis and Liz Radday, co-hosts of the ChatEDU podcast, offered an insightful and entertaining take on AI ethics in schools, even inviting ChatGPT to judge a lighthearted dance-off.
Breakout sessions covered a range of topics—from AI literacy and instructional coaching to policy planning and algorithmic equity—led by educators, district leaders, and AI experts. Many participants said the content was immediately useful, with one attendee sharing, “Every session I attended had direct application to my work.”
A student panel during lunch was a standout moment, grounding the day in the perspectives of young people navigating AI in real time.
Thank you to everyone who helped make AI Empowered EDU 2025 a success. We look forward to continuing this important work together.
Next on Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley
In the upcoming season, we are turning the spotlight inward — celebrating and learning from the incredible leaders within MESD. From classroom innovators to program managers, discover how internal leadership is shaping our future. Stay tuned!
Until then you can catch up on previous episodes and subscribe to stay up-to-date:
ORABSE Gala
On May 16th, the Oregon Association of Black School Educators (ORABSE) held its 50th Annual Gala. ORABSE was founded in 1975—and On Friday, May 16th the organization celebrated 50 years of empowering and uplifting Black educators across the state of Oregon. We want to share two highlights of this event that directly involve MESD:
First, our very own Yusuf Leary, was sworn in as the new President of ORABSE. Congratulations Yusuf!
Second, our Board Chair Renee Anderson was the recipient of the Representation and Recognition Award. Congratulations Chair Anderson on your positive leadership, lasting legacy and impact on the lives of so many students and families across the state!
