Community to Recognize Mark Porter at June 21 Event

Superintendent Mark Porter has spent 32 years in District 833.

And folks wanted to recognize him for his service.

“We told him, you really need to give the community an opportunity to say thanks—and that’s just not Mark’s style,” said Vicki Strong, one of several residents heading up the event.

The only way Porter would agree to an event was if it could also function as a fundraiser for Berean Missional Church/Harvest Academy, which works with at-risk youth on the eastside of St. Paul.

“This could be a pretty good collaboration,” Porter said, adding that he and his wife Jane have been involved with the nonprofit for the past seven or eight years.

A “Celebration of Community” in honor of Porter is set for 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at the Prom Center in Oakdale. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased through www.porterreception.com, though the website isn’t yet up and running. All proceeds beyond the cost of running the event will go to Berean Missional Church/Harvest Academy.

Strong said planning efforts have been moving quickly because Porter wanted the event to happen before , takes over in July.

The school board in December 2011 , prompting some to and others to question the board’s move to decide on his contract only after .

The June 21 event will feature dessert and music from former District 833 musicians, and former students, parents, district employees and friends will speak.

Porter said he’s not sure what they will say.

“I don’t have the privilege of editing any of the material,” he said with a laugh.

However, Porter did add that he would speak last, giving him the chance to clear up any “unintended misstatements.”

During his last days in South Washington County Schools, Porter said he will “politely step aside” and help the district prepare for the leadership transition.

The upcoming event will hopefully bring some closure to the situation, Strong said, while also helping a cause Porter and his wife believe in.

“He saw it as a way to ask people who supported him to pay it forward,” Strong said, and encouraged people to spread the word about the June 21 celebration.

“He has given 32 years of very faithful and effective leadership,” she said. “You don’t go 32 years without making a huge impact on kids and families and schools.”

Overall, Porter said he has “very positive memories” of his time in the district, and is continuing to look for other opportunities inside and outside the education realm.

“It’s been a great 32 years. Jane and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. … The roots run deep,” he said.

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