"A Surprise": Chair Vega Pederson Confronts Preschool for All Scandal

Leadership Under Scrutiny as Scandal Unfolds

Preschool for All, a program aimed at providing early childhood education to families in Multnomah County, is currently under intense scrutiny following the resignation of its director. The scandal has raised serious questions about the management and oversight of state funds allocated to the initiative.

Leslee Barnes, who led the program for four years, was found to have mismanaged resources by running a childcare service in North Portland. According to an audit, Barnes’ own Village Childcare received over $800,000 from the Preschool Promise Program to care for 65 children over three years—but only enrolled nine students. This discrepancy has sparked outrage among community members and officials alike.

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson revealed that she was aware of Barnes' ownership of the preschool when she was initially hired in 2021. However, she believed that Barnes had moved on from her role as an owner. "It was a surprise and something that I thought was important to investigate immediately," Vega Pederson stated. "It was news to me that she continued to own the preschool until this day."

Vega Pederson mentioned that she is awaiting recommendations from her chief operating officer regarding whether to conduct an independent investigation into potential ethics violations and conflicts of interest. However, Commissioner Brim-Edwards argues that an independent review—separate from county leadership—is essential to restore public trust.

“Commissioner Singleton and I are bringing forward a resolution which will call on the county to initiate an independent investigation,” Brim-Edwards said. “I have a lot of respect for the COO of the County—and he also reports to the Chair. And I feel like to really make sure that we build trust with the community, the investigation needs to be independent.”

Brim-Edwards emphasized the need for a thorough examination not only of the circumstances surrounding Barnes’ resignation but also of the overall effectiveness of the Preschool for All program. She highlighted the disparities in access to preschool slots across different areas of the county.

“How are we building a program that is making sure that every child and family that wants and needs preschool will get a high-quality preschool experience, and that there will actually be a space for them, and to taxpayers that we’re spending their money effectively?” Brim-Edwards questioned.

This situation comes amid growing concerns from Governor Tina Kotek about the efficacy of Preschool for All. She has pointed out that the program holds more than $480 million in unspent funds, with only around 11% of licensed sites participating. "The governor is rightly concerned about the impacts on the future of Portland and Multnomah County and our ability to thrive," Vega Pederson said. "I think there are some differences of opinion in what the impacts are and the potentially the really positive benefits of the program in attracting young workers and families."

As of August 2025, the county reported that over 4,800 children are set to begin the Preschool for All program, marking a 70% increase from 2024. This growth underscores both the potential of the program and the challenges it faces in ensuring equitable access and responsible use of public funds.

The ongoing developments surrounding Preschool for All highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective oversight in public programs. As the situation unfolds, the community remains watchful, hoping for clear answers and meaningful reforms.