News & Events

The $141.3 million Portland Public Schools superintendents’ recommended school budget for the 2023-2024 school year has three key priorities: It maintains the district’s commitment to its Portland Promise goals of Achievement, Whole Student and People – all centered on the fourth goal of Equity; is responsive to the needs of all students, especially students newly learning English; and improves operational effectiveness in such areas as finance and human resources. The FY24 budget balances challenging fiscal constraints, including a significant reduction in state aid and inflation, with increased costs to support staff and students, while being cognizant of taxpayers. It would increase the school portion of the tax rate by 7 percent, adding about $15.60 per month to the tax bill of the average homeowner.

Portland Public Schools educators have shared some recent examples of innovative teaching and learning in the arts in our schools this year. Read on to learn more details:

Libby Catania, a special education teacher and case manager at East End Community School and founder of Our Place, a nonprofit that supports the healthy development of youth and families in Portland, has been selected as a 2023 Outstanding Woman. Libby is one of 20 Outstanding Women being honored this year by Maine’s Coast 93.1 in conjunction with Hannaford Supermarkets.

Portland Public Schools educators at the high school, middle school and elementary level recently shared some examples of innovative humanities and English language arts (ELA) teaching and learning in our schools this year. Read on to learn more details.

The Spinglass Management Group has completed its audit of the Portland Public Schools’ payroll practices and issued a report. The report reflects many of the payroll problems – with systems, staffing and processing – that the district has already shared since the beginning of its payroll issues this fall. The report also details significant strides the district has made to stabilize systems, enter into an agreement to outsource payroll functions, and increase payroll staffing. Additionally, it outlines the work the district continues to do to resolve outstanding concerns.

Portland Public Schools educators at the high school, middle school and elementary level recently shared some examples of awesome science and math learning happening at their schools this year. Read on to learn more details:

Three Portland Public Schools nurses recently earned the National Certification in School Nursing (NCSN) credential, which is a validation of specialized knowledge and expertise as a school nurse. Nell Bridger, Presumpscot Elementary School nurse; Shirah O’Connell, East End Community School nurse; and Elizabeth Spaulding, a nurse at Rowe Elementary School, are among 30 Maine school nurses who recently completed their NCSN certification, a nationally recognized standard for providing excellence in school nursing care.