Portland, ME Public Schools

06/05/2026

Casco Bay High School held its 18th graduation exercises on June 4, at Merrill Auditorium. While Casco’s graduates march to the stage to the traditional sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” what typically follows at Casco commencements is more unconventional. This year’s ceremony for the Class of 2026 was no exception, with good-natured jokes interspersing heartfelt personal testimonies and graduates jumping up from their seats to dance in the middle of the event. Learn more and see photos: https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/cbhs-holds-18th-graduation-exercises

06/05/2026

Check out this great story by WGME-TV, Channel 13 reporter Scott Episcopo on Casco Bay High School's June 4 graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026. The story really showcases students' voices and the true spirit of Casco Bay: "Casco Bay High School holds 18th commencement ceremony"

As spring turns to summer, there's new energy in the air, especially for graduating high school seniors, who close one chapter in their young lives.

06/05/2026

Tuesday, June 9, is Election Day—don't forget to vote on the 2026-2027 school budget! As a result of our regular budget review process & on-going refinements to our FY27 budget & continued dialogue with our union partners, the Portland Education Association is supporting the district's budget and recommends a YES vote. We encourage all Portland voters to support the budget to help us maintain the progress we are making in the Portland Public Schools. Please see the district's full statement: https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/portland-public-schools-welcomes-portland-education-association-support-of-fy27-budget
Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Learn about polling locations, absentee ballots, same-day voter registration & more on the city's Elections & Voting page: https://www.portlandmaine.gov/172/Elections-Voting

Portlanders will be voting on the following local issues:

Municipal School Budget Referendum - view a sample ballot.

State of Maine Primary - view a sample ballot.

Absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day:

Absentee ballots must be returned via the ballot drop boxes outside of City Hall on Myrtle Street or the one at 212 Canco Road.

Ballots are NOT to be returned to your polling location.

Portland residents can register to vote on Election Day at your polling location. In order to register to vote, you must fill out the Voter Registration Application (PDF) and provide documents that show Proof of Identity (PDF) proof of residency. A driver's license or state identification card with the current address meets both criteria.

06/04/2026

Deering High School held its 152nd graduation exercises for the Class of 2026 on June 4, at Merrill Auditorium. Highlights of the student-centered morning ceremony included a “global welcome,” during which individual class members welcomed guests in 14 different languages, and heartfelt speeches by a total of five students. Also included were remarks from Superintendent Ryan Scallon and Deering Assistant Principal Carlie Frederick, as well as student musical performances and the presentation of diplomas. Learn more: https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/dhs-holds-152nd-commencement

06/04/2026

Students across the state are preparing this month to leave high school and make their impact on the world. This June 3, 2026 Portland Press Herald story highlights 12 graduating seniors throughout Maine who aren’t waiting until they receive their diplomas to start making a difference. A Portland High School senior is one of those featured. Read his story in the article: "Get to know Maine’s 2026 Grads to Watch"
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/06/03/meet-our-2026-grads-to-watch-2/

06/03/2026

Portland High School, one of the oldest operating public high schools in the United States, held its 205th graduation exercises on June 3 at Merrill Auditorium. The late morning ceremony included several moving tributes to Portland High Principal Sheila Jepson, who is retiring after leading the school for the past 10 years. The event also featured remarks by Superintendent Ryan Scallon, student speeches and musical performances and the presentation of awards and diplomas. Learn more and see photos: https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/phs-holds-205th-commencement

06/03/2026

The Portland Public Schools is forming a Special Education Parent Advisory Committee to help ensure family voices are represented in decisions and initiatives related to special education! Committee members will provide valuable family input, help strengthen engagement, and support efforts to improve services and outcomes for students.

Apply by Sunday, June 21: tinyurl.com/ppsSpecialEd26

06/02/2026

Reminder: Join us tonight, Tuesday, June 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ocean Avenue Elementary School for an in-person Middle School Design Community Engagement session! The Portland Public Schools is beginning a districtwide process to strengthen academics, student supports, opportunities, and long-term sustainability across our middle schools. We need your input—get involved! Learn more: tinyurl.com/MSDesignPPS

06/02/2026

As a result of our regular budget review process and on-going refinements made to our FY27 and continued dialogue with our union partners, we are pleased to share that the Portland Education Association announced today that they will support the district's budget and recommend a yes vote.

We encourage all Portland voters to help us maintain the progress we are making in the Portland Public Schools by getting out and supporting the school budget on June 9th.

Please see the district's full statement: https://www.portlandschools.org/calendars/news/~board/district-school-news/post/portland-public-schools-welcomes-portland-education-association-support-of-fy27-budget

06/01/2026

Join us tonight, Monday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 2, for Middle School Design Community Engagement sessions! The Portland Public Schools is beginning a districtwide process to strengthen academics, student supports, opportunities, and long-term sustainability across our middle schools. Get involved—here are the details:
Virtual: Monday, June 1, 2026, 6-8 p.m., Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81804762268
In-person: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6-8 p.m., Ocean Avenue Elementary School
Learn more: tinyurl.com/MSDesignPPS