Portland Public Schools Has Found an Interim Superintendent

Bob McKean, a retired superintendent from East Portland school district of Centennial, is lone finalist for the job.

By Rachel Monahan

It's been nearly a month since former Portland Public Schools superintendent Carole Smith resigned in the wake of revelations of elevated lead levels in school drinking water.

The school board is poised to appoint her temporary replacement tonight: a retired superintendent from a small neighboring school district. Bob McKean led the East Portland school district of Centennial for seven years before retiring in 2010.

McKean is the lone finalist for the post after another candidate withdrew, citing personal reasons, according to the announcement.

The school board is expected to vote on McKean's appointment this evening.

"Bob brings extensive experience as a manager and an educator," says Board Chair Tom Koehler in a statement. "His record of advancing equality in education with a commitment to accountability and transparency is exactly the kind of leadership we need during this interim period as we identify the best candidate to fill the job permanently."

The school board will conduct a search for a permanent replacement for Smith who they plan to appoint within the year.

PPS's full announcement is below:

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.