Our Mission

The Family Advisory Committee on Education (FACE) brings together dedicated school community representatives and district staff who meet monthly to discuss PPS instructional priorities and initiatives.

As a connection between their Site Council and the broader school community, FACE members share insights and foster meaningful conversations centered on educational equity, aligning with PPS’s commitment to racial equity and social justice.

We invite you to join us in this important dialogue. Together we can make a positive impact on our students and communities.

2024-25 FACE Meetings Information

FACE meetings are in-person and streamed live. Dinner and childcare are provided for in-person attendees. 

Upcoming Meetings

• April 16, 2025
• May 14, 2025

Past Meetings

• February 12, 2025
  • Meeting Highlights:
    • Noelle Gorbett, Assistant Director of High School Math and Science previewed 9-12 Science Adoption Materials.  
    • Jey Buno, Chief of Student Support Services, facilitated a presentation and discussion about Portland Public Schools Special Education.
    • Representatives reflected on the presentation and shared school community updates in grade band discussion groups, facilitated by PPS leaders: Emily Glasgow, Sr. Director of PK-5 Core Academics, in the K-5 group; Joanna Tobin, Sr. Director of Middle Grades Core Academics, Redesign and Instructional Resources, in the 6-8 group; and Filip Hristic, Sr. Director of 9-12 Core Academics, in the 9-12 group.

• December 11, 2024
  • Meeting Highlights: 
    • Kristina Howard, Chief Academic Officer, presented Superintendent Armstrong's top priorities of the PPS 100 First Days of School Plan, highlighting advancing literacy, building trust and relationships and strengthening safe, supportive schools. 
    • Julie McMillan, Library Services TOSA, shared an overview of advanced literacy and presented a literacy survey for attendees to complete.
    • Representatives reviewed the PPS Developmental Continuum in grade band discussion groups, facilitated by PPS leaders: Kristina Howard in the K-5 group; Joanna Tobin, Sr. Director of Middle Grades Core Academics, Redesign and Instructional Resources, in the 6-8 group; and Filip Hristic, Sr. Director of 9-12 Core Academics, in the 9-12 group.

• November 13, 2024
  • Meeting Highlights:
    • Britt Bieberich, RESJ LGBTQ2SIA+ Program Manager, discussed LGTBQSIA+ supports and resources available to PPS students and families.
    • Emily Glasgow, Sr. Director of PK-5 Core Academics, discussed the revised report card format with grades K-5 school representatives.
    • Joanna Tobin, Sr. Director of Middle Grades Core Academics and Instructional Resources, and Richard Smith, Director of Middle Schools Redesign, discussed Standards-Based Grading with grades 6-8 school representatives.
    • Filip Hristic, Sr. Director of 9-12 Core Academics, discussed Standards-Based Equitable Grading and assessments with grades 9-12 school representatives.

• October 9, 2024
  • Meeting Highlights: 
    • PPS Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent Margaret Calvert, and Chief of Staff Kristina Howard, spoke about their background and current initiatives. 
    • Other PPS staff who shared about their work included Emily Glasgow, Sr. Director of PK-5 Core Academics; Joanna Tobin, Sr. Director of Middle Grades Core Academics, Redesign and Instructional Resources; Filip Hristic, Sr. Director of 9-12 Core Academics; Loretta Benjamin-Samuels, Sr. Director of Professional Learning; Marco Matias, SUN Student Success Program Manager; and Mary Nesmith, Parent Teacher Home Visits Program Manager.
  • Due to time constraints, the group discussion section of the agenda was postponed to the next meeting, November 13, 2024.