School Committee Approves Two Interim Posts
The Portland School Committee voted unanimously to appoint Riverton Elementary School Principal Jill Blackwood as acting assistant superintendent of schools for kindergarten through eighth grade. The committee promoted Nancy Kopack, Riverton’s assistant principal, to acting principal.
“Jill Blackwood has been an outstanding leader in the Portland Public Schools for many years,” said Jeanne Whynot-Vickers, the acting superintendent. “I feel fortunate to be able to tap her expertise for the district as a whole.”
Blackwood achieved “master teacher” status in the Cape Elizabeth school district before becoming Riverton’s assistant principal in 1993. Five years later, she was named principal.
During Blackwood’s tenure, Riverton evolved from a fairly homogeneous student body to one in which 40 percent of the students come from different cultures and/or speak a language other than English at home. Blackwood oversaw the introduction of four English as a Second Language classes at Riverton. She helped create a culture of tolerance and acceptance of newcomers among students and staff.
Blackwood also worked to nurture Riverton’s Parent Teacher Organization and to expand the school’s partnerships with businesses and community groups such as the Center for Grieving Children. She has served on several district committees, including one that oversaw Riverton’s recent renovation.
Blackwood holds a bachelor’s from Mount Holyoke College, a master’s in education from the University of Southern Maine (USM) and a certificate from the Maine Academy for School Leaders. She served on the South Portland Board of Education from 1987 to 1990, including a term as chair.
Kopack has worked at Riverton since 1991. She has taught math, special education and served as an English as a Second Language teacher for grades three through five.
Since becoming assistant principal in 2005, Kopack has worked to establish a positive building climate through community meetings, her presence in the hall at transition times and helping students when their behavior interferes with their learning.
Kopack earned a bachelor’s degree in exceptional student education and learning disabilities from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s in education from Cambridge College and a certificate of advanced study from USM.
