Portland board approves single owner’s‑rep contract for major bond projects after hours of debate

The Portland Public Schools Board of Education voted Dec. 2 to authorize a contract with Presidio to serve as the district’s owner’s representative for major bond projects, approving the measure by a 5–2 margin after sustained debate about cost and oversight.

Superintendent Cheryl Armstrong urged the board to act, citing lengthy project delays and rising contingency expenses: “Jefferson High School alone required an additional $55,000,000 in contingency funds,” Armstrong said, framing the contract as a step to restore consistent program oversight and accelerate delivery. Her presentation emphasized repeated cost escalations and the district’s staffing capacity gaps.

Presidio representatives told the board the firm brings national K–12 program‑management experience and would staff a local office. Brian Johnson, Presidio’s president, said the firm aims to “provide the right buildings for the students” and pledged to prioritize local hiring and contractor participation. Senior counsel and district negotiators explained the contract’s core terms: program scope covering three high schools and the Center for Black Student Excellence, a maximum fee calculated as up to roughly 4% of remaining unspent budgets for the covered projects (with the cost of PPS employees deducted), a five‑year term and a 30‑day termination clause.

Opponents voiced concern about the headline dollar figures circulating in the community and asked for comparative analyses of alternatives. Board members pressing for delay argued the contract’s percentage structure and the speed of public release limited meaningful public review. Supporters and several public commenters countered that comparable program‑management fees nationwide range in the mid‑single digits and stressed urgency to avoid further delays that increase total cost for taxpayers.

The board’s action authorizes superintendent implementation of the contract; the district will reconcile staff time and unspent budget math during onboarding. The motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded on the record and the resolution passed by a 5–2 vote.

District staff said they will provide further contract-level reporting and continue answering board questions about staffing, fee calculations and project controls as Presidio transitions into the role.