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Portland Public Schools Foundation reports record year, pilots arts partnership in five schools
Summary
The district foundation said it raised more than $1.2 million in 2024–25, distributed grants and scholarships, and will pilot an arts partnership next year that connects schools with local arts organizations.
Portland — At the June 17 board meeting, the Portland Public Schools Foundation reported preliminary fundraising of more than $1.2 million for the year and announced an arts partnership pilot to place artists in five schools next year.
The foundation’s representative said the fundraising goal of $1.2 million was likely exceeded by several hundred thousand dollars and highlighted program spending that included 245 purchases of athletic gear through the Ed Feeney Athletics Fund, 111 teacher and cocurricular grants totaling $148,000, and $49,000 in summer planning grants for staff. The foundation reported helping more than 240 people stay housed through a $5,000‑per‑month family crisis fund and awarding 48 scholarships to graduating seniors.
The foundation also described a pilot “PPS Arts Partnership” for 2025–26. Initial partner organizations listed for the pilot include 2 40 Strings, 317 Maine, Indigo Arts Alliance, Maine Academy of Modern Music (MAM), Portland Museum of Art, Portland Stage, Portland Symphony Orchestra and Side by Side. The foundation said five schools will be selected to test the model next year; the intention is to expand the program in fall 2026.
Board members asked whether partner work would occur during the school day; the foundation said the initial intent is in‑day partnerships aligned to classroom learning, though after‑school options were not ruled out. The foundation also said it plans to provide modest stipends to a school point person to manage logistics, and that applications for the pilot are publicly available.
Why it matters: Foundation fundraising and program grants supplement district budgets by funding student scholarships, teacher innovation grants, arts partnerships and crisis assistance for families. The proposed arts partnership could increase in‑school arts access for students while providing operational support to schools to host external partners.
Provenance: Foundation financial totals and program counts were presented to the board during the superintendent’s reports and a foundation presentation at the June 17 meeting.
