Jefferson Board of Education has new leader

LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB-TV)--The Jefferson County Board of Education has a new leader. Diane Porter is the first African American female to chair the board. But for her, it's not about history but the future of the schools and students.

Porter is a lifelong educator and has worked her way from teacher to guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal. "As vice chair it seemed like I would be a natural but you never know until the votes are counted," says Porter.

When the votes were counted -- it was unanimous. Porter takes over for Steve Imhoff who stepped down as board chair because of his workload. Porter says her job is to continue the work the board started several months ago by hiring Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens.

"We feel that it was absolutely the right decision. Dr. Hargens will be here a year August 1," says Porter.

And in that time, Hargens has moved quickly to make changes. That's following the recommendations of a curriculum audit. "We used the audit reports and formed a strategic plan so now we have a guide for the next three years," says Hargens.

Hargens has also made major changes at the Van Hoose Education Center. All changes she says have led to millions going back to the schools.

"We went from an 18 member cabinet to a six member cabinet. We eliminated some positions...we eliminated some vacant positions," says Hargens.

"It's important that we put money into the local schools because that's where our students are," says Porter.

Hargens and Porter say the reduction in staff has benefited once troubled schools.

Hargens says, "And we were able to...or our board was able to put APs at elementary level and extend days for elementary and middle school principal."

School officials say the changes have led to improvements at dozens of schools like Moore Traditional, Jeffersontown and Fern Creek High School, where there's even a banner touting the recent success.

Porter says, "Our goal is to be the best urban district in the country and we're working on that."

The board elects new leadership in January.