Portland schools superintendent steps down amid lead scandal

PORTLAND – Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith is stepping down from her role, effective immediately, after the release of a scathing report about the investigation into the district’s handling of high levels of lead found in schools’ drinking water.

Smith, who’s been superintendent since 2007, had previously announced plans within a year to retire several weeks after the lead scandal at two Portland schools broke this spring.

But she sped up her departure to Monday, shortly after the released the findings of an independent probe, which concluded the district’s efforts to test water, fix problems and notify the public accordingly have been inadequate for 15 years.

Tom Koehler, school board chair, said in a statement they’ll select Smith’s interim replacement this summer while searching for permanent leader.