Jollee Patterson General Counsel/Board Secretary jpatters@pps.net
PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS 501 N. Dixon, Portland, OR 97227 (503) 916-3570 • Fax: (503) 916-2827
April 18, 2014
VIA EMAIL ONLY – jmerrick@jeffmerrick.com Mr. Jeff Merrick 1001 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1414 Portland, Oregon 97204 Re:
Public Records re Budget Issues
Dear Mr. Merrick: In response to your public records request, please be advised as follows: Request No. 1: The notation at the bottom of page 33 of the Superintendent’s School Staffing and Preliminary Budget Plan, about which you requested information, does not refer to a specific position. It represents that if additional resources are made available, consideration will be made to increase the capacity of Communications and Public Engagement to better meet the needs of the public. Request No. 2: I am enclosing the available job descriptions and job announcements. A more detailed description of each employee’s job history is as follows: •
In May, 2013, Larry Bingham applied and participated in the hiring process for Bond Communications Manager. Larry was a finalist for this position. Although he was not selected for the position, the hiring committee strongly recommend to Executive Director for Communications and Public Involvement, Robb Cowie, that he consider hiring Larry for the vacant position of Senior Specialist. Upon review, this position was reclassified as Communications Manager, consistent with the job requirements. Mr. Bingham was hired as the Communications Manager commencing July 3, 2013, with a starting annual salary of $71,534.
•
Created by a then recent reorganization, Robb Cowie became the Executive Director of Community Involvement and Public Affairs on June 25, 2009, with a starting annual salary of $118,500. Mr. Cowie resigned in February, 2014 from PPS.
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ROBB COWIE
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ERIN HOOVER BARNETT
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DAVID WILLIAMS
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CHRISTINE MILES
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JON ISAACS
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PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Human Resources
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CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS BASIC FUNCTION Under policy direction, develop and advise the Superintendent on policy strategies that build coalitions around Portland Public Schools strategic initiatives that promote and maximize student achievement; direct the Community Involvement and Public Affairs division operations and staff; foster understanding, satisfaction and support for Portland Public Schools. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.
Provide technical analysis to District leaders in making informed and evidence-based policy and program decisions in the area of school and district improvement; develop and execute plans and manage projects associated with key initiatives related to the school district’s strategic goals. “E” Manage high-level external advocacy efforts and educational campaigns to build support for key district initiatives; assure communications that provide effective public understanding of District issues, objectives and accomplishments. “E” Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the education and policy field; provide strategic thought leadership on state and federal education policy issues affecting PPS. “E” Coordinate the district’s public policy activities, including determining advocacy priorities, positions, and strategies. “E” Build meaningful and effective relationships with key stakeholders, including federal, state, city and county elected officials and other policy makers; build coalitions and community partnerships in support of the school district’s strategic initiatives. “E” Participate with the Superintendent and other senior staff in strategic planning and policy development; advise the Superintendent on policy development and strategies for the district. “E” Strategize regarding communications and materials for the Superintendent to be used with external key stakeholders. “E” Direct the operations and staff involved in delivering the internal and external communications of the District; assure effective methods for communicating District policies, programs, achievements, philosophies and events to the media, employees and the community. “E” Serve as the District spokesperson with the media; establish and maintain positive working relationships with members of print, radio and television media. “E” Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Equity Initiative by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy, Equity in Public Purchasing and Contracting and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend, implement and communicate improvements to school and business practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community. “E” Prepare and oversee the preparation and maintenance of a variety of presentations, reports, records and files related to assigned activities; lead special projects on behalf of the superintendent as assigned. “E”
HUMAN RESOURCES PARTNERS WITH DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TO RECRUIT, DEVELOP, AND SUPPORT A CULTURALLY DIVERSE WORKFORCE DEDICATED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF EQUITY AND ACHIEVEMENT THAT CREATES AN ENVIRONMENT OF EMPOWERMENT AND SUCCESS FOR OUR STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES, AND THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
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Develop department budget; recommend and approve expenditures in accordance with established policies and guidelines. “E” Supervise the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions. “E” Represent the District in meetings, workshops, conferences and professional activities. “E” Perform related duties as assigned.
Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized “E”, which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS The Chief of Communications and Public Affairs has senior leadership administrative responsibility for the development, implementation and monitoring of district-wide policies and procedures and new programs and initiatives as well as coordination with internal executive staff, members of the Board of Education and the community, in policy and program development and implementation. The employee in this position directs the operations and staff of the District Community Involvement and Public Affairs department and assures that accurate communications are conveyed throughout the richly diverse populations served by the District. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of: Current local, state and Federal issues, research and practices for education improvement initiatives related to Portland Public schools and K–12 public education. The ethnic, cultural, geographic, and socio-economic diversity of the populations served by the District. Written and public communication skills. Qualities of political judgment, discretion and confidentiality in the highest degree. People and process management skills including consensus building and conflict resolution. Communications media and their most effective uses. District organization, operations, policies and objectives. Elements of effective management and supervision. Ability to: Design, implement, monitor and evaluate educational programs in compliance with relevant legislation and funding guidelines Conduct research, analyze data and prepare recommendations for program development or modification. Interpret, explain and apply complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Analyze emergent situations and programs. Work with and engage governmental and political stakeholders. Engage stakeholders at all organizational levels and in the community in achieving District objectives. Present information regarding District programs in a proactive, complete and media-sensitive manner. Diplomatically respond to questions and challenges posed by a variety of District constituents. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Develop effective communications strategies for a diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multilingual population. Demonstrate the highest levels of professional conduct, including but not limited to integrity, honesty, confidentiality, and equity. Work on multiple projects at one time with constantly changing priorities and deadlines. Communicate a culture of equity that is student centered. Advocate, model, implement and communicate Portland Public School’s Racial Educational Equity Initiative and board policies. Learn and implement the PPS Equity in Public Purchasing and Contracting board policy. Act judiciously under pressure. Model ethical behavior and communicate high expectations of ethical behavior to others. Operate a variety of office machines, technologies and software. Manage and supervise assigned staff and operations.
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Education and Training: A Bachelor’s degree in political science, government and public affairs, public administration, communications or a related applied social science field is required. A Master’s degree in one of these disciplines is preferred. Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work involving complex policy and issues analysis and project design and management in areas such as education, government, finance, budget or similar activity, including experience managing public information and communications teams. Experience working in a school district, municipality or other public agency in a richly diverse community and environment and bilingual/bi-literate or multilingual/literate skills are highly desirable. Special Requirements: Positions in this classification require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver’s license. Work hours will routinely include irregular hours, evening and weekend activities and meetings and media, district, school and student functions, as well as being on-call for email and telephone contact beyond the standard work day. WORKING CONDITIONS The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office environment and throughout the community with extensive public contact and frequent interruptions. Work hours routinely include irregular hours, evening and weekend activities, meetings and district, school and student functions. Hazards: Potential for conflict situations. Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and travel throughout the community; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other technologies and office equipment; sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time; kneeling, bending at the waist; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds; repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to use a computer keyboard; emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and to keep all aspects of the job under control; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and assure the accuracy of documents.
____________________________________________________________________________________________ FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented Salary Schedule: “H”
Approval Date: Approved March 12, 2014
Portland Public Schools recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups and their roles in society. The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service. Board of Education Policy 1.80.020-P MerrickRFI 036 04/18/2014
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