Mentor Public Schools: Meet William Porter, interim superintendent

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Now entering his 10th year in the Mentor school system, William Porter is making it his priority to provide a well-rounded, high-quality education to students.

By Mimi Vanderhaven

We kick off our monthly Mentor Public Schools educational series by profiling new interim superintendent William Porter.

Now entering his 10th year with the school system, he has already served in many roles: teacher, building administrator and district-level administrator.

“My various roles here have prepared me to view what’s happening in education through many lenses,” he says. “I’m proud to be part of our tradition.”

“My top priority is to provide well-rounded, high-quality education to our 7,660 students from preschool through 12th grade, in a safe learning environment where they can grow academically, socially and emotionally,” he continues. 

“I have seen first-hand the amazing work our students and staff have accomplished during a time of educational change and I am excited to keep the positive momentum going forward.”

To accelerate the forward movement, he says that along with his team of educators and support staff, he will continue to focus on the new ABCs of Mentor Schools—Adapting, Balancing, Collaborating—to ensure they are meeting the needs of all students and preparing them for the future in today’s fast changing world. 

Finding Balance
In addition to educational goals, Mr. Porter reports the Mentor Schools team is committed to fiscal responsibility. 

“One of my initiatives for this school year is to continue to expand upon the important work of the board of education, chief financial officer and previous superintendent in regard to facilities management that has happened over the last couple of years. It is everyone’s goal to ensure we are best using the space we have available while remaining fiscally prudent with our taxpayers’ dollars,” he says.

The district owns a total of 18 buildings and facilities that are valued at more than $209.2 million, including both the largest indoor and outdoor spaces available for community use in Lake County. 

He says what they are looking more closely at right now are the building usage rates of the 13 school buildings currently in operation. Building usage rates are calculated based on student enrollment, number of classrooms and class size.

“Our students need to be prepared for whatever comes their way—whether it’s college, career or military—and go beyond the core subjects taught here to actively participate in the related arts and extracurriculars from arts to music and athletics, and all the clubs and organizations that make Mentor so special,” he says.

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Look for these monthly stories to cover topics at every level of the schools throughout the school year. 

The Mentor School system educates 7,660 students from pre-K to 12th grade in eight elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and one school for students with autism. This column is sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Stacey A. Smaretsky. For updates, visit MentorSchools.net.