2026-09-16 Board of Education Retreat

The Portland Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education held a retreat on September 16, 2026, focused primarily on refining the superintendent evaluation process and aligning it with the district's strategic goals and continuous improvement plans. The board discussed the challenges of the previous evaluation system, emphasizing the need for a coherent, year-long, objective, and transparent process that supports continuous growth rather than punitive measures. They explored integrating measurable outcomes related to student achievement, financial stewardship, facilities, and community engagement into the evaluation framework. The board also considered the importance of aligning evaluation criteria with the district's racial and educational justice priorities and discussed the logistics of conducting evaluations in public meetings versus executive sessions. Action items include drafting a new evaluation template, establishing a calendar for quarterly check-ins, and preparing for a formal vote on the evaluation process at the October 6 meeting. The discussion highlighted the need for clear communication, onboarding for new board members, and ongoing refinement of evaluation tools to ensure legal compliance and effectiveness in supporting the superintendent and district goals.