Recent Changes at Portland Public Schools

Over the summer there have been many changes to make it a good start and a better year. 

New Superintendent - Other Changes

The Portland Public School leadership team has experienced many good changes starting at the top.  Superintendent Ryan Scallon has demonstrated he wants students to succeed through his efforts to ensure the staff is committed and capable of operating a learning institution. 

While he is still at the “Listen and Learn” stage of his administration, he has already taken actions to strengthen his team with the filling of two critical positions with very capable individuals.  

The Finance Department is now headed by Helene Bartolomeo who has strong leadership skills honed in directing the finance operations at a much larger school district and a Maine municipal operation. 

From my conversation with her I believe we will see greater organization, clarification and transparency in the day to day operations of payroll and purchasing as well as the annual budget development.

The IT, transportation, food service, and facilities, collectively known as operations, is now led by Dr. Susan Warren.  These critical areas of the school system will benefit from her extensive administration experience in the education and nonprofit sectors. 

Dr. Warren shared with me that she views the work of these departments as critical to providing students with a welcoming, safe and pleasant environment that will support the students’ academic success. I know that the warm greeting from a bus driver or food server can brighten a student’s day. As a teacher a clean classroom and working technology eliminates the stress and frustration that comes without these spaces and tools.

Rowe Elementary School and King Middle School have New Principals

Principal Amy Marx was outside King greeting students on the first day of school and helping them find their way to their Crew. I witnessed the students eager and apprehensive as they started a new school year. After their first day the sixth graders emerged with smiles, a very good sign.

Principal Bill Anton energetically and cheerfully welcomed the Rowe students and those parents who came to see their children off on the first day. It was very clear to me that the atmosphere was very upbeat with teachers smiling and confident of a good school year. 

It looks like we’re off to a great start! Should you have any questions, concerns or ideas for improvement please contact me.