Board of Public Education Chair Sarah Lentz presented the annual State of the Schools address to the City Council at its 5 p.m. meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The City Charter requires that the Board chair deliver an annual address to the Council on the state of Portland’s public education system.

Lentz spoke about the district’s new five-year Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Public Education in June. The plan has five priorities, Equity, Achievement, Whole Student, People and Systems and a set of initiatives each year of the plan to work towards realizing each one. The plan also includes specific ways to monitor progress. Lentz briefly outlined accomplishments on the part of students, staff and the district related to each one of the priorities and the challenges ahead. 

5-Year Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan: Year 1 Priorities

Fast Facts

State of the School 2024 (view text)

Watch Recording of State of the Schools 2024

City's Meetings & Agendas Portal

Media Coverage of the 2024 State of the Schools address:

• Portland Press Herald, Dec.16, 2024: Portland schools’ strategic plan takes center stage at State of the Schools address
• WCSH-News Center Channel 6, Dec. 16, 2024: Portland Public Schools continue work to better support students' diverse needs
• WGME, Channel 13, Dec. 16, 2024: Portland Board of Public Education presents annual 'State of the Schools' address