Former Manager Sues Portland Public Schools Over Firing
The lawsuit alleges retaliation after a staffer flagged concerns about a $61.5 million district construction contract.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration
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A former Portland Public Schools manager is suing the district, alleging she was fired for blowing the whistle on a $61.5 million contract. Kiesha Locklear filed the lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court, claiming her termination followed her reports to state officials regarding the district's bond fund management.
Why it matters
The case highlights brewing scrutiny over how Portland Public Schools manages construction bond funds and its reliance on outside contractors. With the state Department of Justice currently investigating contract management, the lawsuit forces a public look at internal oversight and staff turnover.
The lawsuit centers on a $61.5 million contract with Procedeo LLC, a firm that replaced the roles of 15 employees, including the plaintiff, during an office restructuring. The final result of the Oregon Department of Justice investigation into these specific bond contracts remains unknown.
The players
Kiesha Locklear
A former senior project manager in the Portland Public Schools Office of School Modernization who is suing the district.
Portland Public Schools
The largest school district in Oregon, currently facing a lawsuit and a state-level criminal investigation into its contract management.
Procedeo LLC
A private firm hired by the district for bond-related work under a contract currently under investigation.
Oregon Department of Justice
The state agency conducting a criminal investigation into Portland Public Schools bond management contracts.
Oregon Secretary of State
The state office that received reports regarding the Procedeo contract and referred the matter to the Department of Justice.
The details
Kiesha Locklear alleges that she was let go in January 2026 for raising concerns about the stewardship of public bond funds and the hiring of Procedeo. According to the court filing, the district offered her a payout in exchange for a release of her whistleblower rights before her termination. PPS ultimately dissolved the Office of School Modernization where Locklear worked, and she claims her role was filled by Procedeo staff.
Timeline
June 2025: Locklear began reporting internal concerns.
September 2025: Locklear warned the school board about Procedeo.
December 2025: Locklear questioned the math behind the Procedeo contract.
January 26, 2026: Portland Public Schools terminated Locklear.
October 21, 2026: Locklear filed a lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
Beyond the Bridges
This litigation follows the pattern set by the active Oregon Department of Justice investigation into Portland Public Schools' bond management. It marks a shift from regulatory inquiry to civil action regarding the district's $61.5 million contract with Procedeo LLC.
While the litigation proceeds, parents and taxpayers should watch for updates on how bond funds are managed in future construction cycles. The district's ongoing restructuring of its project management offices remains a point of board oversight.
The takeaway
Portlanders should monitor the school board's public meetings for updates on the state investigation into the district's construction contracts. Keep an eye on how the district balances its use of outside project management firms against internal staffing levels.
Further reading
For more on how district leadership oversees major projects and budgets, see our coverage of Portland Administration.
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Should government agencies be required to offer stronger legal protections for employees who report contract irregularities?
