Photo: Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Dr. Paul Cruz, and Dr. Iton O. Udosenata
The Portland Public Schools Board of Education met in executive session on May 14 with Human Capital Enterprises to deliberate on the five semi-finalist applicants for the role of superintendent.
The Board has chosen to advance the following three finalists for second-round interviews and community activities scheduled May 28-31:
Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong of Vancouver, Washington: Dr. Armstrong currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, Washington where she has held the position since 2023. Prior to her tenure in Evergreen, Dr. Armstrong held the position of Chief Academic Officer for Portland Public Schools from 2022-2023. She served as the Associate Superintendent for Santa Rosa City Schools from 2021-22. Earlier, from 2020-2021 she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Tamalpais Union High School District in Marin County, California. Dr. Armstrong brings more than 25 years of public education experience and holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Teaching from City University of Seattle.
Dr. Paul Cruz of Austin, Texas: Dr. Cruz, a former superintendent of schools in Austin Independent School district is currently both the Professor of Practice and Co-Director of the Cooperative Superintendency Program at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to being the superintendent of Austin ISD he served in the role of Chief of Schools for Austin ISD and earlier served as superintendent of Laredo ISD. Earlier in his career he served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to campus administrator. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Corpus Christi State University. He is a member of multiple boards and advisory committees including the Council of Great City Schools. He has over three decades of public school experience.
Dr. Iton O. Udosenata of Salem, Oregon: Dr. Udosenata currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Salem-Keizer Public Schools, a position he has held since 2023. Previously, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education in Salem-Keizer from 2020-23. Prior to his tenure in Salem-Keizer, Dr. Udosenata served as principal of North Eugene High School from 2017-2020 and principal of Cottage Grove High School from 2013-2017. Dr. Udosenata has 20 years of public education experience in Oregon and California. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education from the University of Oregon. Dr. Udosenata currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), having previously served as COSA President from 2020-2021 and COSA Past President from 2021-2022.
In addition to second-round interviews with the Board, finalists will participate in a student interview panel; a principal and administrator panel; a labor leader meet and greet; and a community event for students, staff, families and community members to attend.
Members of the public are invited to attend the community event on Tuesday, May 28 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Grant High School, 2245 NE 36th Ave. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet finalists, listen to opening remarks prepared by each finalist, and hear candidate responses to community questions submitted in advance. Members of the public can suggest possible questions to be asked at the community event to Human Capital Enterprises online by May 24 at 5:00 p.m. Questions for the event will be selected by lottery and theme.
Community event schedule:
- 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.: Meet and greet with all finalists
- 7:05 - 7:35 p.m.: Breakout session 1
- 7:45 - 8:15 p.m.: Breakout session 2
- 8:25 - 8:55 p.m.: Breakout session 3
At the end of each session, attendees will have time to complete a feedback form which will be shared with the board as part of their deliberations. Community members are encouraged to stay for the duration of the event so that they have an opportunity to hear all three presentations. Food and childcare will be provided. Please indicate if you are attending here.
Source: Portland Public Schools District