District Safety Guidance for the Portland Public Schools Community
Protecting all students and staff: PPS is committed to promoting safe and inclusive school communities for all — including our immigrant, refugee, asylee, and LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff.
The Portland Public Schools is steadfast in our support for, and commitment to, our immigrant, refugee, asylee, and LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff. The strength of the Portland Public Schools lies in the diversity of our community and in our shared belief that every student should have access to a challenging, relevant, and joyful education, regardless of the identities they hold.
Policies that protect our students
The Board of Public Education affirms that our district policies, named below, align with Maine’s Human Rights Act and with legal protections for gender identity and student data. We will not adopt measures that undermine the rights of any of our students.
Letters from Board and Superintendent
Statement from Board Chair, Vice Chair
Protocols involving ICE or non-local law enforcement
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Through its statement issued on October 15, 2025, PPS Board of Education leadership reaffirmed the district’s commitment to a resolution that was passed in 2017.
- All staff have been trained on these protocols.
- The district also has engaged with Portland Police, and they have agreed that if they learn of any enforcement action planned at a school, they will work to ensure that it does not occur there.
- The Portland Public Schools commits to transparent and timely communication with the community when there is confirmed law enforcement on or near school grounds.
New and existing resolutions
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The Board reaffirmed our commitment to a resolution that was passed in 2017.
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PPS supported the City Council in passing the Council’s own resolution on September 15, 2025, that directs the city’s Health & Human Services & Public Safety Committee to work with us on further actions.
Student- and family-centered practices
- The district’s Multilingual Center continues to work with students and families to connect them with the resources they need.
- School social work and counseling teams continue to provide counseling and spaces for students to process fear and anxiety.
- The district uphold clear procedures for reporting and addressing harassment or discrimination.
Report an Incident - We encourage every member of our community to know their rights. Schools have multilingual information available for those who may need added support. View Know Your Rights Resources
The core mission of the Portland Public Schools is to provide a world-class education to every student in our district. We will continue to provide resources, support, and information to protect our staff, our students, and their families – and we will use every tool at our disposal to advocate for their safety and well-being.