Orange County Public Schools Case Study

To Whom It May Concern: It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter of recommendation for Mark Porter for the position of Superintendent of the Orange County Public Schools. Mark is an exceptionally gifted individual and deserves an opportunity to pursue his career goal of leading a truly major public school system. At the same time, his advancement will leave a huge leadership vacuum on the South Washington County Public School's management team. I am a 12-year veteran Board Member of that District. It is no exaggerating to say it will be nearly impossible to find an individual as talented. diplomatic. determined and conscientious as Mark Porter. I would hate to see him leave South Washington Public Schools. However. throughout my professional …show more content…
Mark has impressed me as one of the most even-tempered. thoughtful and hard working individuals I know. In my opinion. a school superintendent must have strong interpersonal communication skills. Superintendents must command the respect and confidence of their management teams. They must be able to communicate to all district employees that their services are valued. And they must communicate to the public that the schools are well managed and improving student achievement is the overall goal of the schools. Mark Porter has consistently demonstrated his strong interpersonal communication skills, as both a school board member and as the Superintendent of Schools. During his service on the Board. Mark was well liked and respected by all of his colleagues. Although he did not chair the Board. he was the board member whom everyone looked to for guidance on difficult decisions facing the Board. Mark also has exceptionally strong professional relationships with our current management team. He works well with his colleagues and continues to be one of the most influential voices in the overall management of our district. Previously, as Director of Legal …show more content…
He has took the "us-verse-them" out of the negotiations and replaced it with constructive dialogue on how the interests of both parties can be addressed in a mutually-beneficial contract settlement. These changes remain as a valuable part of our district culture today. January 2, 2012 Page Two As Superintendent Mark has led the South Washington County Schools effectively through a period of significant growth and improvement. His calm style of leadership has maintained a positive district climate during and immediately following a period of very rapid change. His strong and effective communications have kept all stakeholders well-informed and engaged as the reputation, enrollment and most importantly student achievement results, including effectively addressing identified achievement gaps in the district have all been on the upswing. My strong endorsement of Mark's qualifications for this Superintendent's position does not mean I agree with him on all issues. We have been on opposite sides of issues as colleagues on the school