Portland Public Schools

06/18/2026

This June 17, 2026 Portland Press Herald story features East End Community School culture and climate coordinator Peter McCormack as the school celebrates its 20th birthday this year. McCormack has worked at the school for a good part of that time, in various roles, and he and other EECS staff are what make the school, which has one of the district's most diverse and economically disadvantaged student bodies, a "special place." Read the story: "A day at Portland’s East End School through the eyes of its positive behavior champion"

The Press Herald spent the day with Peter McCormack, a longtime leader at the elementary school, on its 20th birthday.

06/18/2026

Portland Adult Education (PAE) hosted its 178th graduation ceremony on June 17 at Merrill Auditorium. The event included remarks from PAE administration and staff, Superintendent Ryan Scallon and student speakers, as well as the awarding of scholarships, commendations to graduates and musical performances. PAE educator Rochelle Yanike Hale, serving as master of ceremonies, said the Class of 2026, with 139 members, represented the largest number of graduates in two decades. “Resilience defines this class,” she said. She and other speakers described instances of class members’ perseverance. Learn the details: https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/pae-holds-178th-commencement

06/15/2026

Do you want to help shape the future of special education in the Portland Public Schools?

PPS is looking for parents and caregivers from a wide range of schools, grade levels, and experiences to join its new Special Education Parent Advisory Committee. This is an opportunity to share feedback, help strengthen family-school partnerships, and support positive outcomes for students across the district.

Applications close Sunday, June 21:
tinyurl.com/ppsSpecialEd26

06/12/2026

Join Portland Public Schools at the Pride Portland! Parade on Saturday, June 20.

Students, staff, families, and community members are invited to march with PPS in celebration of acceptance, equality, and inclusivity. Look for the PPS yellow school bus on Preble Street near Monument Square beginning at 10:30 a.m. for bus decorating before the parade steps off at 11:30 a.m.

Participants are welcome to ride the bus or walk alongside it in the parade. Everyone is welcome, and we encourage schools and departments across the district to come represent PPS together.

06/12/2026

Don't miss the June PPS Community Newsletter—the last of the 2026-2027 school year. This edition features highlights from our recent Class of 2026 commencement ceremonies, honors our incredible retirees and celebrates major student achievements—including two Deering High School National Merit Scholars and a Casco Bay High School senior named the Boys & Girls Clubs Maine State Youth of the Year. You will also find important district news, such as an opportunity to apply for a new Special Education Parent Advisory Committee by June 21, details about the last student day of school on June 18, our student Summer Resources & Activities page and information on free summer meals for kids and teens beginning July 6. Check out the newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/ppsnewsletter611

06/12/2026

Check out this June 12, 2026 op-ed in the Portland Press Herald from a parent at Rowe Elementary school. Casey McCormack says improvements at Rowe over the past few years have "been amazing to witness as a parent." He also says that "Rowe is not an outlier in Portland. Other elementary schools are showing similar gains. Both Presumpscot Elementary and Lyseth Elementary have shown strong academic growth, with each school ranking among the top 10 most improved in Cumberland County. This kind of progress does not happen by accident. It reflects coordinated efforts across every level of the system." Read more in McCormack's "A love letter to Portland’s Amanda C. Rowe Elementary School | Opinion"

A renewed focus on accountability, structure, community and expectations has turned a struggling school into one of Maine's educational success stories.

06/11/2026

Following the return of election results from Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Superintendent Ryan Scallon and Portland Board of Public Education Chair Sarah Lentz issued a joint statement expressing deep gratitude to city voters for their resounding approval of the Portland Public Schools’ $179.3 million budget for fiscal year 2027. The budget was approved by a margin of more than 3 to 1. Learn more:
https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/voters-decisively-approve-fy27-budget

06/11/2026

Approximately 20 Portland Public Schools employees are retiring this year. The retirees were honored by the Portland Board of Public Education and the district in a ceremony on June 9, 2026. Those recognized have served throughout the district and held a wide variety of roles in service of students and families. The school year retirees include a school principal, a social worker, teachers, Food Service members, educational technicians, a secretary and a custodian, among others. Congratulations, PPS retirees...and thank you!
Learn more: https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/congrats-to-pps-retirees

06/11/2026

Looking for ways to keep your student engaged, active, and connected this summer? We have compiled a variety of summer programs, activities, camps, meal resources, and community opportunities for families.

Explore our Summer Resources & Activities page: https://www.portlandschools.org/families/summer-resources-activities-page

06/09/2026

Portland Board of Public Education Business Meeting & Executive Session - LIVE