Robert McKean, Ed.D., is the Interim Superintendent for Portland Public Schools for the 2016-17 school year.  

Bob McKean has spent 37 years in public education, serving as a teacher, principal, director of curriculum and instruction, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Currently a member of the Board for All Hands Raised, a non-profit focused on improving academic and career opportunities for youth in Multnomah County, he retired in 2010 from the Centennial School District in East Portland/Gresham where he was the Superintendent for seven years.  Prior to Centennial, he was a teacher, principal and administrator in Montana.   

Prior to moving to Oregon, McKean dedicated his professional career to public education in Maryland and Montana, teaching elementary, middle and high school. He also served as a principal of three elementary schools before moving into an administrative role as director of curriculum and instruction for Havre Public Schools in Montana and then the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Missoula County Public Schools.

McKean’s public service goes beyond education.  He has dedicated 11 years as a U.S. Forest Service smokejumper, which provided lessons in leadership that he has applied to his nearly 40 years in public education service.

The PPS Board of Education will be conducting a national search for a permanent superintendent to assume the position in time for the 2017-18 school year.

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