Xavier Botana retired in July of 2023 after a career spanning almost forty years and roles ranging from instructional assistant to superintendent of schools in urban school settings. He currently serves as a leadership coach for new principals and consults with school districts on a variety of issues. His recent work includes serving as an interim high school principal, conducting a school district staffing study and supporting several superintendent searches.

Xavier retired as superintendent of the Portland Public Schools in July of 2023 after seven years of service in that role. His work there earned him recognition as a leader focused on closing opportunity and achievement gaps including being named the outstanding superintendent for Cumberland County, Maine for 2021 and 2022.

Previously, Mr. Botana served as Associate Superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools in Indiana for six years. Before that, he held a variety of educational positions at the school and district level, including serving as Chief Academic Officer for the Portland Public Schools in Oregon, and Chief Officer of Instructional Design and Assessment in the Chicago Public Schools. He served in school leadership and teaching roles in Illinois.

Xavier holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and completed his superintendent’s endorsement program at Northwestern University. He lives in Portland with his wife, a Carmel High School and Purdue grad. In Portland, Xavier is actively involved in community non-profit boards. They have a home in Northwest Indiana and travel back and forth throughout the year.