Woodmere School

Commissioner Nick Fish speaks at a 2013 ceremony at Grant High School, celebrating the $250,000 donation made by NFL star and Grant graduatei Ndamukong Suh toward buildng a new track and turf field. The project was undertaken in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, the bureau that Fish headed. (PPS file photo)

Commissioner Nick Fish speaks at a 2013 ceremony at Grant High School, celebrating the $250,000 donation made by NFL star and Grant graduatei Ndamukong Suh toward buildng a new track and turf field. The project was undertaken in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, the bureau that Fish headed. (PPS file photo)

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Portland Public Schools shares the deep sadness felt across the larger Portland community, at the news of the passing of City Commissioner Nick Fish.

Commissioner Fish was a PPS parent and in his role as a public servant, he continually supported and prioritized public education. He was a reliable friend and advocate of the district, our schools and our school communities.

Commissioner Fish was instrumental in a number of partnerships between the city and the district, including during his time in charge of the Portland Parks & Recreation. He was also particularly supportive of PPS’s arts programs. He believed in the importance of nurturing creativity in all children, and that robust arts programs were central to developing students into citizens of the world.

Portland has lost an outstanding leader in Nick Fish. Portland Public Schools has lost a dear friend. He believed in public education as a bedrock of democracy. He lived his life in service to others. We will miss him dearly. Our condolences go out to Commissioner Fish’s family.