LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After 13 years of serving the Jefferson County Board of Education, Diane Porter has announced she is resigning effective immediately.
Porter's resignation letter states that her decision to leave the position is due to a chronic illness. She said she is prioritizing her health and dedicating sufficient time for treatment, recovery and self-care.
"Despite my best efforts, I have realized that I am unable to continue fulfilling my professional responsibilities at the level of excellence that our district expects and that I strive to deliver," Porter said.
Porter was first appointed in 2010 after Board Member Ann Elmore stepped down. Porter was elected into the same seat later that year. She became the first Black woman to chair the school board in 2012.
Former and current colleagues describe her as dedicated, professional and always putting kids first. Dr. Raymond Burse, Vice President of Louisville NAACP, where Porter is a member, recalled one of her first votes on the school board.
"I think her vote for the ouster of Sheldon Berman as a superintendent was controversial," Burse said. "Two of the groups that I was involved in were Berman supporters. But she's always voted for what she thought was in the best interest of the district, and the best interest of students."
Porter served as the board member for District 1 which includes Cochran Elementary, Central High School, Meyzeek Middle School and dozens more schools.
Prior to serving on the Board of Education, Porter served for nearly 40 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal and central office administrator.
She retired in October 2009 as director of Career/Workforce Education and the district's School-to-Career Program.
Audwin Helton worked with Porter during her time in JCPS administration. He credited her with bringing cartography trade learning into high schools.
"We had a solid committee of UofL folks, we had JCPS folks, and we had professional folks like me. And at the time, we had GIS programs in about 5 or 6 schools. And again, all because of Diane and her staff," he said.
Porter has also been a JCPS parent, as her daughter is a JCPS graduate.
"It has been an incredible honor to serve alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. Education is indeed the greatest gift we can offer our children, and I have full confidence that the board will continue to ensure this gift is given without reservation," Porter said.
It is unclear who will serve District 1 for the Jefferson County Board of Education in her place. Corrie Shull, current vice chair of the board, said he's willing to serve "at the pleasure of my colleagues," when asked if he wanted to fill the position.
Burse, a good friend of Porter's, ensured she would still be doing more of the same despite her second retirement.
"She's told me as we were working through this resignation process," he said. "[Her] voice is not going away."
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