East End School Educator Is 2024 Maine Teacher of Year!

Joshua Chard, a second- and third-grade looping teacher at East End Community School, has been named 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year. East End staff and students and state and local education officials celebrated Chard’s selection at that school on Wednesday morning, Oct. 11. He received multiple standing ovations from students and staff. This is the third time in … Read more

FPPS Equity and Innovation Grants

FPPS Equity and Innovation grant applications are available now. Please note that the guidelines have changed this year and all PPS staff are now eligible to apply (not just teachers).  You can read the full guidelines and apply here. The goal of this program (formally called PEF Teacher Grants) is to allow staff to invest … Read more

Meet the Foundation’s summer intern, Jo Ellis!

Jo is a rising junior at Casco Bay High School and her past few years there have helped her realize her interest in public education. She is currently a student member on the Portland School Board and she says it has been an extremely valuable experience for her. Jo hopes to pursue this passion and … Read more

Thank you to Generac for supporting STEM!

We are thrilled to announce a donation of $10,000 from Generac in South Portland. Generac, through the Generac Foundation, is committed to supporting STEM education in the communities where their employees live and work. The funds are designated to expand PPS resources and capacity to engage K-12 students in coding, robotics, and engineering as part of their … Read more

School Board To Confirm New Superintendent June 6

After a nationwide pool of 47 applicants was winnowed down to two strong finalists, the Portland Board of Public Education now is expected to confirm one of the two – Dr. Ryan Scallon – to be the new superintendent of the Portland Public Schools. Scallon, who currently is an assistant superintendent in the School District … Read more

A Transition for Portland Empowered

Portland Empowered

It’s been an honor to serve as the fiscal sponsor for Portland Empowered for the last few years and to partner with their staff and volunteers. Their work ensuring that historically underrepresented student and parent voices are reflected in the policy and practice of Portland Public Schools (PPS) supports and complements our mission.  At the end of … Read more

Chim Lev Hiking 4,800 miles to Benefit Reiche School

Chim Lev, pictured with his mother-in-law Annetta Weatherhead, recently started a 4,800-mile through-hike on the North Country National Scenic Trail. His hike is fundraising for the Annetta Weatherhead Fund for Reiche School. The goal of the Annetta Weatherhead Fund, managed by the Foundation for Portland Public Schools, is to provide flexible and easily accessible financial … Read more

PHS Student Wins 2023 Step Up Award

Baleria Yugu is the 2023 recipient of the Portland High School Step Up Award. The Step Up Award at Portland High School provides funding for students in the Make It Happen! program who would otherwise have to forego school-year extracurricular opportunities in order to work after school and/or on weekends. Baleria, a rising junior at … Read more

Tickets on Sale for Spring for Teachers on May 9, 2023

Tickets on sale now! Join the Foundation for Portland Public Schools at Spring for Teachers, a benefit for PPS students and for the Equity and Innovation Teacher Grant program. Enjoy a casual evening out for adults with music, hot and cold appetizers, local raffle items, and a cash bar with beverages from Bunker Brewing Co. … Read more