Tangipahoa Parish School System Promotes Gary Porter to Assistant Superintendent of Innovation
AMITE, LA—This week, the Tangipahoa Parish School System (TPSS) announced the promotion of Gary Porter to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, effective immediately. This strategic appointment was communicated by Superintendent Melissa Stilley during a press announcement on Thursday, emphasizing Porter’s significant contributions to educational excellence and his dedicated focus on student success.
Porter joins the administrative team with an impressive background of over 28 years in the field of education, a period during which he has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and leadership acumen. His responsibilities in this newly created role will center around advancing college and career readiness initiatives, fostering innovation throughout the district, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality educational programs for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
“Mr. Porter is a transformative leader whose passion for students—especially those from underserved communities—has shaped his career,” stated Superintendent Stilley. “His commitment to families, children, and community partnerships makes him the ideal choice to help drive our district forward.”
Before his promotion, Porter served as the Director of Student Services for TPSS, where he spearheaded district-wide initiatives focusing on student welfare, discipline, and attendance. His previous roles include Principal and Assistant Principal across various educational levels, where he consistently demonstrated effective leadership, strategic insight, and a firm commitment to enhancing student achievement.
In his role as Assistant Superintendent, Porter will prioritize several key objectives:
– Expanding access to dual enrollment programs, Advanced Placement courses, career-technical education, and internships to better prepare students for post-secondary success.
– Implementing improvement strategies for schools identified as low-performing, thereby enhancing educational outcomes for these institutions.
– Ensuring that both students and their families are informed about available free resources designed to boost academic success and career readiness.
– Proactively recruiting and retaining high-quality educators in schools facing the greatest challenges.
– Building partnerships with local colleges, businesses, and community organizations to create new opportunities for students.
Porter holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern University and a Master’s in Education. He is currently finalizing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is also a certified Louisiana Schools Turnaround Specialist. Furthermore, he is a graduate of the Louisiana Superintendent’s Academy, underscoring his credentials and preparedness for this significant role in TPSS.
The promotion of Gary Porter to Assistant Superintendent of Innovation reflects a commitment to enhancing the educational landscape of Tangipahoa Parish and ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed in a competitive world.
