Think Out Loud

Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program has a new director

By Sage Van Wing (OPB)
March 23, 2026 5:47 p.m.

Broadcast: Monday, March 23

FILE - Artwork hangs on the wall at a preschool in Southeast Portland, Ore., Oct. 26, 2023.

FILE - Artwork hangs on the wall at a preschool in Southeast Portland, Ore., Oct. 26, 2023.

Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB

Danisa McLean has taken the helm of Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program after her predecessor resigned abruptly last summer amid an external investigation into a conflict of interest. The program is funded by a 1.5% marginal tax rate on high-income earners, which some, including Gov. Tina Kotek, have said is having negative effects on Oregon’s economy. In addition, estimates on how many preschool spots are needed and how much money that will cost have been difficult to match up in forecasts. McLean joins us to explain her vision for the program.

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