THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
In closed session at the Twin River Unified school board meeting last night, April 10 Superintendent Frank Porter announced plans to retire effective June 30.
“It’s been an honor to serve with Frank to make things better for our kids and our community. On behalf of the board, we greatly appreciate the support, encouragement, and direction Frank has provided in setting the course for Twin Rivers,” said board presidentRoger Westrup. “Frank’s courageous and tireless leadership in setting clear and high standards for student achievement, effective board governance, and fiscal integrity have been instrumental to our progress.”
Porter’s 33-year education career started driving buses and includes 10 years in the Buckeye Unified School District in El Dorado County as a teacher and more than 20 years in the Rio Linda Union School District where he served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles.
Porter was instrumental in the effort to merge four different school districts to create a new, unified system for North Sacramento. Under Porter’s leadership, Twin Rivers has seen an increase in graduation rates, an increase in the academic performance index, and a turn-around in enrollment.
Despite severe and ongoing reductions in educational funding and the challenge of merging and harmonizing four districts into a newly unified district, Twin Rivers has built new career academies at each high school, added new libraries, and has maintained free transportation services, high school counselors, the arts, music, and sports programs. It is also the only large area district with a positive budget.
“I want to express my gratitude and admiration for our tremendously gifted and dedicated administrative, principal, certificated/teaching and classified staff. Their creative, innovative, and steadfast commitment to the success of every student have been an inspiration,” said Porter. “I have been honored to have worked with such a remarkable staff. The level and scale of this unification work required the immense and heroic commitment of countless people to make this happen successfully. “
Porter has actively served on a wide range of local, regional, and statewide leadership positions including: Association of California School Administrators Superintendency Council; Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development and Education Committee; and the Board of Directors of LEED (Linking Education and Economic Development.) He was also the recipient of the National Leadership through Communication Award in 2009 for his work to engage and communicate with a variety of communities and stakeholders.
While sad to leave the district and community he devoted most of his professional career to, Porter is ready to spend time with his wife Sharan, a retired teacher from a neighboring district, their two children, and family and friends.
“I’m confident that our newly unified school district has a solid foundation and I’m confident in the people at all levels of Twin Rivers,” said Porter. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my years working for students and families and wish this community continuing success.”
Westrup directed district staff to issue a request for proposals for an outside firm to conduct a statewide search for the next superintendent.
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