Sarah Wong re-elected board chair; Chase Miller named vice chair of Portland Public Schools

Sarah Wong was approved to continue as chair of the Portland Public Schools board of education at the board’s July 7 meeting, and Director Chase Miller was elected vice chair.

The board adopted Wong as chair by voice vote. Vice Chair DePass, who ran the election process, said nominations had been solicited in advance and that both positions would be decided one at a time. The board recorded Wong’s selection as chair and later announced Chase Miller as vice chair; the board’s roll-call indicated unanimous support among members present for the vice chair race.

Wong thanked colleagues for their trust and said she stepped into the role originally “out of a need” and intended to continue working to help the district focus on problem solving rather than “problem chasing.” She also publicly thanked outgoing vice chair DePass for mentorship and institutional knowledge that helped her in the role.

At least one board member said they hoped to see more frequent turnover in leadership. A director who voted for the leadership slate asked that the board develop stronger succession practices so more members could gain leadership experience.

Board members said the continuity provided by returning leaders should allow the group to focus on substantive work this year, including budget stability, the district mission and an upcoming strategic planning process. The board moved on from the leadership votes to public comment and other agenda items, including the first reading of a policy on protecting student access and a lengthy budget question-and-answer session.

Next steps: the board will continue with its regular meeting schedule; leadership will participate in the board’s planning and evaluation processes across the coming year.