Ashley Anderson, a special education educator at Presumpscot Elementary School, has been appointed as the school’s new assistant principal as of July 1. The appointment, which was approved by the Portland Board of Public Education at its June 20 meeting, is a half-time position. Anderson also will continue half-time in her role as a special education case manager at Presumpscot.

Anderson has been with the Portland Public Schools since 2017. She has 13 years of experience as an educator, teaching in New York City before joining the district. During her time at the Portland Public Schools, she has been an Elementary School Leadership Team member, a BIPOC mentor to other teaching staff, a special education mentor and liaison.

“We’re extremely excited to capitalize on Ashley’s many strengths,” Interim Co-Superintendent Aaron Townsend said at the Board meeting.

Anderson told the Board, “I’m really honored to accept this role.” She said she is a “proud member of the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities.”  Anderson said she is excited to continue working at Presumpscot and “to help the community as it continues to grow and change.”

Interim Superintendent Melea Nalli noted that Anderson has been part of a leadership cohort working with Julia Hazel, the district’s director of BiPOC career pathways and leadership development. Nalli said that leadership development work is resulting in opportunities like this one, “which is a wonderful thing.”

Here’s more about Ashley Anderson:

Ashley Anderson, Assistant Principal, Presumpscot Elementary School: Ashley grew up in Portland and attended the Portland Public Schools, where she was a student-athlete and graduated from Portland High School. She was studying at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y. when she discovered her passion for special education. After spending six years teaching in East Harlem, Ashley decided to continue her teaching career back home and returned to Portland. She now lives in Portland with her wife and children. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to work at Presumpscot as a special education teacher. During her tenure at the Portland Public Schools, she has coached softball at PHS, been a BIPOC mentor for two years, and participated on the Presumpscot Elementary School leadership team. Ashley has a passion for restorative practice and is excited to continue this work at Presumpscot.

Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood, special education and English language arts and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, both from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in administration.