Portland Schools Superintendent's Daughter Hired by District Contractor
Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong has confirmed that her adult daughter has accepted a position at Procedeo, a Texas-based construction company that holds a substantial $61 million contract with the district. The revelation has ignited significant public scrutiny and debate over potential conflicts of interest within the school system.
Details of the Hiring and Contract
Kimberlee Armstrong verified to The Oregonian that her daughter is now employed as an office manager at Procedeo, a firm specializing in school and healthcare construction projects. In December, Procedeo secured a $61 million agreement with Portland Public Schools to manage $1.8 billion in construction initiatives over the next five years. Armstrong clarified that she was unaware of her daughter's application for the role and promptly informed school board leadership upon learning of the hiring.
Public records indicate Armstrong has one daughter named Kalynn Hedrick, who is described as an aspiring fashion designer and a student at Weber State University. Armstrong emphasized that her daughter prefers not to be publicly identified as the superintendent's child, stating she does not like to be "outed" in this manner.
Responses from Officials and the Company
Brian Johnson, president of Procedeo, addressed the situation in a statement to the Daily Mail, asserting that the hiring process was "competitive" and "merit-based." He highlighted that the company selects the best candidates for positions and maintains strict protocols to address conflicts of interest, ensuring clear boundaries are upheld.
School board vice chair Michelle DePass expressed support for Armstrong's daughter taking the job at Procedeo, indicating confidence in the superintendent's transparency and the firm's hiring practices. The Daily Mail has reached out to the school board and Armstrong for further comments on the matter.
Community Reaction and Criticism
The news has rapidly spread across social media platforms, where community members have voiced strong criticism. Concerns center on the appearance of impropriety, given the substantial financial dealings between the district and Procedeo. Key points of contention include:
- The $61 million contract awarded to an out-of-state construction company to oversee $1.8 billion in projects.
- The daughter's lack of background in construction, as she is pursuing a career in fashion design.
- Calls for immediate investigations and audits to ensure fairness and integrity.
One Reddit comment encapsulated the sentiment: "This needs to be investigated immediately but it never will be," while another suggested, "This should mean an immediate firing and cancellation of the contract until a full audit is completed."
Current District Projects and Budget Challenges
Procedeo is currently overseeing construction on three high schools within the district, including Jefferson High School, which is slated to receive new sports and performance facilities by fall 2029. Construction crews are expected to break ground on this project in four months, as reported by local ABC affiliate KOIN.
Despite these extensive construction efforts, Portland Public Schools is grappling with a severe budget deficit. Armstrong recently announced plans to close up to 10 schools by fall 2027 due to financial constraints. In an interview with Oregon Public Radio, she described the closures as a difficult but necessary measure, noting, "It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be a loss."
The district is implementing various cost-saving strategies, such as reducing travel and furloughing senior leaders. Armstrong herself is taking six days of unpaid leave. Administrators are negotiating furloughs with senior staff as the district faces a $14 million budget shortfall, highlighting the stark contrast between large-scale construction investments and impending school closures.
