Superintendent’s Daughter Lands Role at Firm with Multi-Million Dollar District Contract Amidst Public Scrutiny
A recent hiring at a prominent construction firm has ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from community members and raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. The daughter of the Portland Public Schools (PPS) superintendent, Kimberlee Armstrong, has secured a position as an office manager at Procedeo, a Texas-based construction company recently awarded a substantial $61 million contract by the district. This contract is set to oversee a staggering $1.8 billion in construction projects over the next five years, making the hiring decision particularly sensitive.
While Superintendent Armstrong initially declined to name her daughter, public records identify her as Kalynn Hedrick. Armstrong has stated that her daughter, an aspiring fashion designer and a student at Weber State University, was unaware of her mother’s position when she applied. The superintendent further clarified that she was not privy to her daughter’s application process and promptly disclosed the situation to school board leadership upon learning of it.
Procedeo’s president, Brian Johnson, has defended the hiring process, asserting in a statement that the selection was competitive and merit-based. He emphasised the company’s commitment to taking conflicts of interest seriously and maintaining clear ethical boundaries.
The news quickly spread across social media platforms, where it was met with a wave of public discontent. Many community members expressed their dismay, highlighting several key aspects that amplified their concerns. A widely shared comment on Reddit pointed out the significant financial scale of the contract – $61 million to oversee $1.8 billion in projects – awarded to an out-of-state company. The fact that the hired individual’s background is in fashion design rather than construction was also a focal point of criticism.
The sentiment on social media was palpable, with many calling for immediate investigation. One user stated, “This needs to be investigated immediately but it never will be.” Another commenter suggested a more drastic course of action: “This should mean an immediate firing and cancellation of the contract until a full audit is completed.”
Superintendent Armstrong acknowledged the sensitive nature of the situation, noting in a statement that her daughter prefers to avoid being publicly identified as the superintendent’s daughter. Despite the public outcry, Michelle DePass, the vice chair of the school board, has expressed her support for Armstrong’s daughter taking the position at Procedeo.
Procedeo is currently involved in overseeing construction at three high schools within the PPS district. Notably, Jefferson High School is slated to receive new sports and performance facilities by the fall of 2029. Construction crews are reportedly scheduled to commence work on this specific project in approximately four months, according to local reports.
This development unfolds against a backdrop of significant financial challenges for Portland Public Schools. In a recent announcement, the district revealed plans to close up to 10 of its schools by the fall of 2027, a decision attributed to declining student enrollment and the need for cost-saving measures. Superintendent Armstrong acknowledged the difficult nature of these closures, stating, “It’s going to be difficult. School closures have happened in this city before, and as we continue to decline, we’re going to need to reduce the number of schools.” She further expressed the emotional toll such decisions take on communities, noting, “And I think schools and communities, it’s personal … it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be a loss.”
To address a reported $14 million budget deficit, PPS is actively implementing austerity measures. These include reducing travel expenses and furloughing senior leaders. The superintendent herself is also taking six days of unpaid leave as part of these cost-saving efforts. Administrators have been engaged in negotiations with senior leadership regarding furlough plans.
