Portland Public Schools (PPS) is a PK-12 urban school district in Portland, Oregon. With more than 49,000 students in 81 schools, it is one of the largest school districts in the Pacific Northwest.  PPS has a diverse student body.  17% percent identify as Latino, 9% black, and 6% Asian.  Another 11% self-identify as multi-racial.  Approximately 8,000 employees work for the school system. With highly trained teachers and staff; an engaged parent community; strong partnerships, and a focus on closing the racial educational achievement gap, PPS has seen significant gains in its graduation rate and has enjoyed steady enrollment growth. Thanks to the state Legislature, school funding is improving and thanks to Portland voters, a PPS School Building Improvement Bond is now fueling the