Today the Portland Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve the contract that authorizes outside legal counsel Amy Joseph Pedersen of Stoel Rives to engage Bob Weaver and Joy Ellis of the law firm Garvey Schubert Barer to lead the investigation into the Mitch Whitehurst matter and provide recommendations to strengthen district policies, practice and procedures for employee complaints and misconduct as it relates to students.  Norm Frink, retired Multnomah County Chief Deputy District Attorney with over 35 years as a public prosecutor and experience in the Portland region, will also be on the team. 

The PPS School Board will hold a second listening session on a proposal to open two new middle schools at Harriet Tubman and Roseway Heights.

WHEN: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 25

WHERE: Blanchard Educational Service Center (BESC), 501 N. Dixon St., Portland, 97227

WHAT: Give your comments, ideas, suggestions on the middle school proposal

On Saturday, September 16, dozens of PPS staff and volunteers fanned-out across Portland to knock on doors and reach out to students who have disconnected from school. These door-knockers invited students back to school and offered resources to help them re-engage with their education.