Portland Public Schools selects Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong as new superintendent

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Portland Public Schools has ended its national search for the district's next superintendent.

Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong of Vancouver, Wash. will take over the role as the top leader of the district after serving as the deputy superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools for the past year, as first reported by OregonLive.

She was one of three finalists for the role after former superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero stepped down in February 2024. His departure followed a month-long teacher strike that ended with a three-year deal that left the district grappling with tens of millions in budget cuts.

The PPS Board took community input into consideration in late May, despite being the only entity responsible for hiring for the role. Parents shared they wanted the next PPS leader to advocate for state educational funding and address growing class sizes. They also sought a committed leader with a long-term plan for students and an ability to rebuild trust and relationships.

Armstrong has 25 years of experience in public schools and was once the former chief academic officer for PPS. The school board is expected to meet Wednesday morning to formally approve Dr. Armstrong's contract.

PPS shared the following statement regarding her appointment:

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.

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.