Paul Scarlett doesn't usually eat his lunch at the Benson Polytechnic High School cafeteria. But last Tuesday the Portland Bureau of Development Services director dined with a group of Benson freshmen.

"The way I'd like to see our bureau operate is to have a focus on outreach and promoting the bureau," Scarlett said, "so that we start to engage students and increase their interest."

Scarlett, who oversees city land use, zoning and permits, shadowed Benson’s principal for the day, part of a Portland Schools Foundation program that puts business and community leaders in Portland Public Schools for some one-on-one time with students.

Scarlett took the opportunity to recruit kids interested in construction,
architecture and engineering.

About 38 percent of the city's work force is eligible for retirement, Scarlett said. And the bureau is looking to high school students for its
future labor. [Read Full Story]

Libby Tucker,

DJC News