Xavier Botana is the retired Superintendent of the Portland (Maine) Public Schools, a district he served since July 2016.

In his time leading the Portland Public Schools, Mr. Botana spearheaded the successful update of the district’s Comprehensive Plan: The Portland Promise which became the centerpiece for the district’s equity work including all time high graduation rates, universal access to pre-kindergarten for 4 year olds, and a focus on improved services to students learning English and with special needs. During his tenure, the district developed a Wabanaki studies program and Local Black History programming among other inclusive curriculum developments. Among his proudest accomplishments was exceeding, the district goal of having at least ten percent staff of color (from 3% in 2016 to 13% in 2023).

He was instrumental in growing the district’s budget for equity-focused initiatives and programs as well as the district’s physical plant, including locally funded renovations at four elementary schools.

Mr. Botana, 60, was born in Cuba during the Castro regime. Growing up bilingual in Spanish, he began his educational career as an ESL and bilingual teacher and subsequently as a school, district and state leader. Prior to going to Portland, Mr. Botana served as Associate Superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools in Indiana for six years.

Mr. Botana holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and has completed his doctoral program coursework at Northwestern University. He and his wife live in Portland.