Message from Jeanne Whynot-Vickers
The Portland School Committee asked me to assume the interim superintendent position beginning today and ending June 30, 2008.
I am honored to be called to lead such a vibrant and educationally innovative learning community of students, teachers, staff and administrators, and am thrilled to be able to continue to serve Portland in a new capacity.
As the interim superintendent, I will continue to build upon the educational programming that currently creates opportunities for Portland students and adults as they personalize their own learning.
Continuing our commitment to professional learning communities will ensure that our staff will be highly qualified and our students will leave our doors with the knowledge, skills and beliefs that will enable them to realize their potential and successfully meet their future goals. To do this we must be responsible to our changing community and student needs, and we must meet those changing needs with innovative and effective educational programming.
I also acknowledge the need for strong fiscal management. I am committed to collaborating transparently with city staff and elected officials as we work through the challenges before us.
Specifically, I intend to focus on developing a financial recovery plan that compensates for last year’s over expenditures while developing a 2008-2009 budget that is fiscally responsible and meets our students’ educational needs.
The Maine School Consolidation law requires that Portland create an Alternative Plan. The continuing collaboration on Portland’s Alternative Plan will be an important step as we strategically address our fiscal challenges.
Finally, I am committed to restoring public confidence in our schools and look forward to having a sound financial basis so that we can again turn our primary focus to our students – assuring that all students are learning for their futures.
