Strategies to Combat Portland's Literacy Crisis with Dr. Armstrong

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis, Strategos Partner, sits down with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, for an insightful conversation on leadership, literacy, and the challenges of guiding Oregon’s largest school district.

Dr. Armstrong, eight months into her tenure, shares her strategic approach to driving positive change in Portland Public Schools, emphasizing three key priorities: advancing literacy, strengthening relationships, and ensuring safe and well-maintained learning environments. She highlights the urgent need for literacy reform, calling it a “civil right” and detailing the district’s city-wide book distribution campaign.

Facing a $40 million budget deficit, Dr. Armstrong discusses her proactive efforts to engage the community and legislators in securing essential funding. She also speaks candidly about the importance of trust-building, particularly in the wake of a teacher strike, and her leadership in navigating Portland’s $1.8 billion bond renewal to modernize aging school facilities.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Armstrong’s passion for education and commitment to equity shine as she reflects on her personal journey from childhood poverty to leading a major urban school district. With her student-first mindset, she is determined to create a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environment in Portland.

Key Moments

00:00 Portland Challenges: Housing and Homelessness

06:06 Empowering Literacy Beyond School Hours

09:35 $1B Maintenance Requires Bond Funding

13:13 "Portland's Inspiring Educational Leadership"

14:00 "See You in Classrooms"

Connect with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberlee-armstrong-88172412/

Website: https://www.pps.net/