Willamette Week's Spring Membership Drive

If you rely on WW for news, we're asking you to become a Friend of WW today. Every dollar from readers makes a real difference.
Click here to donate.

Portland Public Schools Renames District Headquarters to Honor Dr. Matthew Prophet Jr.

Prophet, the district’s first Black superintendent, led the district from 1982 to 1992.

courtesy of PPS
PPS Headquarters

The Portland Public Schools board voted unanimously Sept. 20 to rename the district headquarters, shifting the honor from one former superintendent, Robert Blanchard, to another, Blanchard’s successor in the position, the late Dr. Matthew Prophet Jr.

Prophet served as PPS’ first Black superintendent, holding the top job from 1982 to 1992. No subsequent superintendent has held the job as long.

Prophet, a retired Army officer, brought a rational, methodical approach to district management, strengthening the district’s finances, raising teacher pay dramatically and focusing on bringing a more equitable education for all children. The achievement gap between white and minority students narrowed under his leadership, although the gap persisted and remains a major challenge for PPS and other districts.

Last night, however, community members and former colleagues extolled Prophet’s achievements and character, and the board moved to change the name of the sprawling headquarters at 401 N Dixon St. The renaming was first reported by the Portland Tribune.

Guadalupe Guerrero Tweet

Prophet died in June at age 92.

Thanks for reading our story! If you find value in what we’re doing, support our Spring Membership Drive today.