Porter to continue as school district superintendent

The Mentor School Board plans to retain William Porter as superintendent of the district through at least the next three school years, according to a news release from the district.

Porter has been interim superintendent since June 15, 2017. Pending completion of contract details, the board expects to take formal action at a future board meeting, the release continued.

“Unanimously, the Board of Education is very pleased with the excellent work Mr. Porter has accomplished while serving in the role of Superintendent of Mentor Public Schools and we’ve determined to search no further,” said board president Mary Bryner. “Mr. Porter has demonstrated extremely strong leadership skills this year, especially as he navigated significant district initiatives such as developing a strategic plan and facilities management plan. We believe it is important to keep Mr. Porter’s enthusiasm and passion for education in this important role to continue to benefit the children of our community long-term.”

Porter has spent more than 30 years as a Northeast Ohio educator, including his last 10 in Mentor Schools. He worked in the various roles of interim superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of K-8 education, principal, assistant principal, English teacher and coach. Mr. Porter is highly involved in the prestigious and nationwide League of Innovative Schools. He also earned the John Weiss Lake County Administrator of the Year Award as its first ever recipient.

“I am honored to work as the superintendent of Mentor Public Schools and have the chance to serve the community in which I live and love,” William Porter said in the release. “Having the support of a community that values education affords my team the ability to truly make a difference in the lives of students each and every day. I am excited for the opportunity entrusted to me by the Mentor Board of Education to lead our district for the next three years.”

Porter