Jim Porter, Fredonia, is the best choice for the Republican nomination for State Board of Education, District 9. PORTER was in Iola earlier this year for a candidate forum. He was thoughtful, even-tempered, and passionate about the importance of education for all Kansas children.
Porter, 69, is running against Martin Burke, Riverton.
Porter is a lifelong educator who serves as superintendent of the Fredonia school district.
His opponent is a 2005 graduate of Baxter Springs High School, teaches science at Galena High School and coaches football and softball.
The two are vying for the position being vacated by two-term chairwoman Jana Shaver, who has pledged her support for Porter’s candidacy.
The significantly younger Burke is a staunch conservative, while Porter has garnered the support of the Traditional Republicans for Common Sense, the moderate branch of Kansas Republicans. Others standing behind Porter are the Kansas School Superintendents Association, Game On for Kansas Schools, an organization whose goal is to encourage parents and community members to get more engaged in public education, as well as the Kansas National Education Association.
Porter takes education beyond the classroom.
He serves on the advisory council for the Kansas Educational Leadership Institute, whose task is to grow strong educational leaders across the state through mentoring programs. One of the goals of the council is to provide support and guidance for first-year principals and superintendents by pairing them with practicing, veteran school administrators.
Porter also is a man of the community with leadership roles with the Fredonia Arts Council, Fredonia Lions Club and Fredonia Regional Hospital board of trustees.
Porter began his career in education as a music teacher. After many years in the classroom he switched over to administration and has served as a high school principal and superintendent of schools. He has been in Fredonia the last 13 years.
He plans to retire in June 2015, allowing ample time for the demanding job on the state board of education.
He and Charlene, his wife of 35 years, have three grown children.
His experience in education will make him a good fit for the state board.
— Susan Lynn
Porter’s experience makes him best for state education board
