The Oklahoma City school board accepted the resignation of suspended Superintendent John Q. Porter last week in an agreement in which board Chairman Cliff Hudson also resigned.
The agreement rescinds the board’s earlier adoption of a series of allegations claiming Mr. Porter was involved with financial irregularities, mainly concerning his expenses. (“Oklahoma City Panel Considers Dismissal of Superintendent,” Jan 23, 2008.)
The board of the 35,000-student district voted 6-1 to accept a settlement agreement that ushers Mr. Porter out as superintendent after less than seven months on the job.
Under the agreement, Mr. Porter will be paid his salary and health-insurance premiums through June 30 and must reimburse the district $5,000 in disputed expenses and claims. In a separate 6-1 vote, the board agreed to pay Mr. Porter’s settlement expenses, totaling $71,530.
In addition, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation has agreed to pay Mr. Porter a one-time sum of $225,000 and up to $30,000 for legal fees. The money has been gathered by private donors, who wish to remain anonymous.
