What initiatives does ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) funding support? How does ESSA rate schools? How can families give input on their state’s ESSA plan? Get engaged in this discussion and learn the answers to all of these questions, and more, on September 18th at 6pm in the Deering High School library!

Join us as we discuss all of the ins and outs of the Every Student Succeeds Act, a federal public education bill signed into law in 2015. Hosted by Portland Public Schools’ very own Gail Cressey, the district’s Director of Grants and Academic Resources, the session will teach families about how funds are allocated at the federal, state, and local levels, and will give attendees the tools to engage in the discussion to help ensure that ESSA funds are used equitably and effectively at their child’s school. 

Gail Cressey is the Director of Grants & Academic Resources for the Portland Public Schools. She has served students, families and staff in public education for over 35 years in a variety of roles that have focused on providing academic supports and resources to students from traditionally marginalized communities. She has been with Portland Public Schools for 14 years, working as an Academic Director and now is a member of Portland's finance team. When not working towards supporting the success of students and families in Portland, she likes spending time enjoying the natural beauty, cultural events, and outstanding cuisine in the state of Maine where she was born and raised!