Yvonne Curtis, Portland Public Schools' new deputy superintendent

Yvonne Curtis, who resigned as superintendent of Forest Grove schools last week, is Portland Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero's choice to become his deputy superintendent for instruction and school communities.

Curtis, who led Forest Grove for eight years and presided over schools that mainly registered above-average or exceptional student growth, starts work in Portland on Jan. 2.

Her role is a new one for Oregon's largest school district and makes her responsible for overseeing both curriculum and instruction and all principals.

Guerrero said in a statement that he selected Curtis in part because "we share a deep belief that with an intentional focus on teaching and learning and a systemic approach to supporting school communities, we can positively impact student outcomes."

In general, Portland Public Schools has less commendable outcomes than Forest Grove, as measured by Oregon's method of determining school performance. Student growth in most Portland schools ranges from the lowest 5 percent to just below the 50th percentile, state ratings indicate.

Guerrero said he hopes Curtis will help him elevate the district's standing in Oregon and nationally.

-- Betsy Hammond

betsyhammond@oregonian.com