School Board Selects Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Ed. D. to be Next Superintendent

The Portland Public School Board of Education announced Tuesday the selection of Kimberlee Armstrong, Ed.D., to serve as the next superintendent. The board is scheduled to meet Wednesday morning to approve and authorize the appointment and contract. Throughout her career, Armstrong has been instrumental in 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’s three-year contract begins July 1, and members of the board of education said they will welcome the positive changes her leadership will bring to the school district and its schools.

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. Armstrong’s selection was based on her qualifications, interviews, a thorough review process and staff, student and community feedback. Armstrong’s tenure as chief academic officer of Portland Public Schools, where she served with distinction further solidified her suitability for this critical role.

“Dr. Armstrong is just what PPS needs in this time of opportunity and challenge,” said Gary Hollands, PPS board chair. “Her credentials go beyond the academic and professional successes we need in a superintendent. 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.”

Armstrong began her educational career as a public school teacher in the Puyallup School District in Washington, and spent over two decades in various roles in elementary, middle and high schools, with a focus on leading and supporting staff. She currently serves as deputy superintendent of the Evergreen School District in Vancouver, Washington.

In addition to her educational leadership, Armstrong is also the author of Intersectional Leadership: Strategies for Building Resilient Workforces, and is a renowned speaker on education curriculum, data, research and systemic changes to advance racial and social equity.

"It is an incredible honor to be selected as the next superintendent of Portland Public Schools. My commitment is unwavering: I will choose Portland every day in every way, dedicating myself fully to the success and well-being of our students, staff and community. Together, we rise, improving the path toward excellence, equity and innovation in education," said Armstrong.

Armstrong’s career includes roles as chief academic officer in Portland Public Schools; executive director of equity and public relations in Edmonds School District (WA): Assistant Superintendent of Tamalpais Union High School District (CA); associate superintendent in Santa Rosa City Schools (CA); and principal at Kenmore Junior High and at Mount Miguel High School (CA).

An intercollegiate basketball player, Armstrong earned her bachelor of arts degree in communication from California State University East Bay, a master’s degree 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. She also coached high school basketball and middle school track.