PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Public Schools (PPS) has selected Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong to be its next superintendent, capping off a half-year-long search for a permanent replacement for former superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero, who stepped down earlier this year. The district confirmed the selection early Tuesday afternoon.
The Portland School Board met Wednesday morning and unanimously voted to approve Armstrong's appointment, which Armstrong accepted.
Armstrong has served for the past year as deputy superintendent for Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, and prior to that she served as chief academic officer at PPS for a year, after previously holding leadership roles in multiple California school districts. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington, and a Master of Business Administration and Master of Teaching from City University of Seattle.
She was one of three finalists announced last month, alongside University of Texas professor and former Austin Independent School District superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz and Salem-Keizer Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Iton-Etek O Udosenata. All three began meeting with families and community members, most recently at an event last week.
The list was narrowed further on Monday when the Tigard-Tualatin School District announced that it had named Udosenata as its next superintendent, taking him out of the running for PPS.
"(Armstrong) is just what the district needs in this time of opportunity and challenge," the Portland School Board said in a statement to the PPS community. "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."
Armstrong is set to start July 1, according to the statement. PPS is currently being led by Dr. Sandy Husk, who was appointed to take over as interim superintendent after Guerrero's departure in February.
"(Armstrong's) credentials go beyond the academic and professional successes we need in a superintendent," added Portland School Board Chair Gary Hollands. "She also brings a deep understanding of Oregon, Portland and PPS as a parent, educational leader and an active member of the community. We are excited for her vision, leadership and commitment to PPS. She is the ideal leader to propel PPS into a new era of excellence."
There was no specific deadline declared for PPS to make the decision on a new superintendent; the district said last week that its board of education would soon begin deliberating after taking feedback from the community meetings, and would announce a decision at some point in June.