Has spent more than 40 years as JCPS teacher, administrator, board member
By Mark Hebert
October 24, 2023 - Citing ongoing health concerns, Diane Porter has resigned from the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE). Porter has chaired the board since 2019 and also led the panel from 2012 to 2018. She has been a board member since 2010.
“I am particularly proud to have served as the first African-American woman to chair the school board in 2012, and it has been an honor to return to the leadership role over the years,” Porter wrote in her resignation letter. “This district holds a special place in my heart, and I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together. I have complete confidence in the continued dedication and commitment of the board to the betterment of our education system.”
Porter is a graduate of the old Louisville Public School District and the University of Louisville. She has had “a lifelong passion for education” and been an educator for more than 40 years, first applying her talents for the students of Jefferson County Public Schools as a business teacher at Male High School in 1970. She held multiple positions at JCPS before retiring in 2009 and being appointed to the school board a year later.
“Diane Porter has been more than a pillar of Jefferson County Public Schools, she’s been an integral part of the foundation,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS superintendent. “During her 40 years of service as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal, and central office administrator Ms. Porter always asked the same question she has asked before making each decision as a school board member - ‘Is this what’s in the best interests of our children?’ It is clear that Ms. Porter always prioritized the needs of our students above all else.”
Porter listed the establishment of two schools with Afrocentric curriculum - W.E.B. DuBois Academy and Grace James Academy - among her proudest accomplishments as a board member. She also cited her commitment to Advance Program Assessment and Placement, the Equity Scorecard, and increased resources and support for low-performing students and schools.
The current vice chairman of the board, Dr. Corrie Shull, will step in as chairman. The board will seek nominations and appoint a replacement for Porter, whose District 1 serves much of West Louisville. An election for the District 1 seat will be held in November 2024.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals,” Porter wrote. “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.”