Portland Public Schools

Kimberlee Armstrong

Kimberlee Armstrong is a purpose-driven education leader committed to building inclusive, student-centered systems that create meaningful impact in and beyond the classroom. With a career that spans teaching, school leadership and district-level strategy, she approaches every role with clarity, compassion and a deep belief in the potential of every learner.

In this interview, Armstrong shares how her values of transparency, inclusion and courageous decision-making are shaping the future of public education. Her focus on equity-centered resource allocation, community engagement and future-ready innovation reflects a leadership style built for lasting student success.

At a Glance

• Champions inclusive leadership and community partnerships to disrupt inequities and build supportive ecosystems around students

• Invests in future-forward learning, including AI-integrated curricula and modern ERP systems, to align technology with educational equity

• Leads district-wide initiatives in culturally responsive teaching, dual-language program expansion and innovative school design through community-backed investments

Shaping Systems through Experience and Vision

I found my calling in education later than most. When I entered a middle school math classroom at 31, I quickly discovered a deep passion for learning and leading. Over time, I transitioned into administrative roles at middle and high school levels, eventually moving into central office leadership. What motivated me at the start and continues to inspire me today is the belief that taking on greater responsibility creates greater reach and deeper impact.

I initially joined Portland Public Schools as Chief Academic Officer. After a year and three months, I accepted a Deputy Superintendent position in Washington State. Soon after, I returned to Portland to serve as a Superintendent.

“I strongly believe in future-forward learning. Every day, new tools emerge, especially in areas like artificial intelligence. My approach is to ask how these tools can be used with intention and how they enhance the learning experience in our classrooms”

Today, I lead Oregon’s largest school district, which includes 81 schools and nearly 44,000 students. My core responsibility is to guide this complex system in ways that support student achievement, encourage growth and promote long-term success. Every decision we make must center on the needs and potential of every student.

Grounded in Lived Experience, Guided by Equity

As a first-generation college student, my journey has shaped every aspect of my leadership. I discovered my academic potential only when I entered an environment of high quality, affirming and empowering. That experience fuels my commitment to creating learning spaces where every student is seen, valued and supported.

I lead with courage, transparency and inclusivity, because those values made a difference in my life. I also understand the power of community. Growing up in a home with limited resources, I saw firsthand how nonprofits and local organizations played a critical role in supporting young people like me. Today, I work to ensure our district builds strong relationships with those same kinds of partners. By naming inequities, disrupting broken systems and building inclusive support ecosystems, we can provide all students with the conditions they need to thrive.

Equity Lives in the Details of Teaching and Learning

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that conversations about equity are most powerful when grounded in student experience. Every resource allocation, policy and new initiative must point back to one central question: How will this impact what happens in the classroom?

We often say something is about equity or justice, but I believe we always need to finish that sentence with how it improves student learning. One quote that has stayed with me comes from educator Lacey Robinson, who said, “Equity is in the details of teaching and learning.” That captures how I approach my work, by staying focused on how our decisions translate into meaningful change for students.

Aligning Innovation with Student-Centered Goals

I strongly believe in future-forward learning. Technology is evolving rapidly. Every day, new tools emerge, especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI). My approach is to ask how these tools can be used with intention and how they enhance the learning experience in our classrooms.

At Portland Public Schools, we have adopted curriculum resources with AI-powered features that respond to the needs of individual learners. These tools are already helping us improve outcomes in key areas like reading and math. On the operational side, we’re undergoing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) transition to replace outdated systems that slow us down. We’re also using data platforms to understand feedback from students, families and staff. So, I would say the benefit of technology lies on the learner side and in how we operate as a large employer in the city of Portland.

Mindset that Sustains Transformational Change

For those leading systems like ours, equity must be more than a guiding principle, it is the path to justice and must shape every decision we make. That requires boldness in vision and action.

In Portland, we’re making meaningful investments in culturally responsive teaching, expanding dual language programs and strengthening partnerships with community organizations to support every student. With the support of a bond initiative, we’re also building three new high schools over the next four years, each designed to foster innovative, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments.

My advice to fellow leaders is this: Stay grounded in your “why.” In the most challenging moments, lean into your purpose. Be humble enough to listen and bold enough to act. Above all, see people before you know the work. Our systems won’t transform on their own—it’s our people—our teachers, staff, students, and families—who will lead that change. The more we invest in them, the closer we get to delivering the results our students deserve.

 As I reflect on this work, what inspires me most is the brilliance of our students and the deep commitment of our community to public education. Just as important is the incredible team I’m honored to work alongside each day. Their belief in what’s possible for every student keeps me hopeful and motivated for the future.