At a procedural caucus at the Nov. 25 meeting, the Portland Board of Public Education took nonbinding straw votes on next year’s leadership.

Board member Bridal nominated Sarah Lentz for chair; Lentz accepted and summarized her three years in the role and the district improvements she intends to continue. Doctor Warren called the roll and every present member and student representative vocally indicated support; the caucus recorded a unanimous straw vote for Lentz under policy BDB‑R.

Julianne Opperman nominated Micky Bondo for vice chair. Bondo accepted and noted her prior sponsorship of the district’s equity policy and her stated priorities of centering student safety and equity. A roll call produced a unanimous straw vote for Bondo.

The board emphasized that these caucus votes are advisory: official nominations and binding votes will be recorded at the board’s Dec. 9 meeting. Chair Lentz closed the caucus and thanked new and current student representatives who participated.

What’s next: The Dec. 9 meeting will carry the formal nominations and votes required by board policy.