Dear Portland Public Schools families, staff and community members,

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to start my day with our Transportation Team at 6 a.m. and visit five schools on opening day. It was fantastic to see the energy from staff and students as they started the school year. As an educator for 20+ years, there is little that competes with the excitement of the first day of school each year. I often think of it as our Super Bowl in some ways.

While there are always minor hiccups when welcoming back over 1,400 staff and approximately 6,500 students, from everything I saw and heard, it was a great first day. I cannot say enough about the work of our Transportation Team, Food Services staff, Facilities Team, and school-based leaders and teachers who worked tirelessly to make sure that the first day was great for families and students.

And now begins the work of continuing to make sure that all students have engaging and rigorous learning experiences this year. Thank you in advance for your partnership as we do that work.

Sincerely, 
Ryan