City district, ex-chief set to move on
City district, ex-chief set to move on

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By Wendy K. Kleinman
Published: March 7, 2008

Former Oklahoma City Superintendent John Porter says he is moving forward with his life now that he has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing.

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Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said Thursday that a six-week, joint investigation by his office and the Oklahoma City Police Department could not substantiate criminal activity.

"The evidence uncovered during the investigation failed to prove that Dr. John Q. Porter committed any criminal act. In fact, a number of documents discovered in the possession of the school district tended to exculpate or explain away most of the allegations made against Dr. Porter by the board,” Prater said.

Prater added that he was surprised that investigators were "very easily” able to obtain documents that exonerated Porter.

But the 278-page report issued by the district attorney's office doesn't leave its subjects unblemished.

The revelation of internal financial processes is prompting the district to review all of its policies and procedures, and some school district employees and board members who were interviewed were critical of Porter's behavior while he was superintendent.

The report from Prater's office covers 15 allegations. Prater said possible criminal acts that could have applied were fraud and other "white collar-type crimes.”

Retired U.S. Attorney Robert McCampbell investigated 21 allegations for the city school district, but Prater has said his office only looked into those that had the potential for criminal culpability.

McCampbell referred questions to school district spokeswoman Kathleen Kennedy. Kennedy said she had no information as to why McCampbell's internal investigation did not turn up everything that was in the district attorney's report.

In addition, Kennedy said that the district acknowledges the report, regrets what happened and is moving forward.

In moving forward, Kennedy said the top district administrators are reviewing their policies and procedures. Any proposed changes would have to be submitted to the board, she said.

Porter issues statement
After the district attorney released in the investigative report, one of Porter's attorney's, Steve Huddleston, released a statement on his behalf. In it, Porter said he is proud of his service and plans to continue his advocacy for children.

"My relationship with some of my school board members was unfortunate but I must forgive and move forward with my life. The people of Oklahoma City are special which is why I want to continue to make this my home,” the statement read.

Huddleston said some of Porter's supporters have talked with him about potential business opportunities here.

With regard to some of the unflattering statements about Porter in interviews in the report, Huddleston said they do not present the "whole view” and some people at the district had different opinions of him.

The Oklahoman could not reach former board Chairman Cliff Hudson or either Porter or his civil attorney, Murray Abowitz, for comment Thursday.

Some school board members, including Hudson, reported in their interviews that Porter had said he would have to sue the board, but because neither Porter nor Abowitz could be reached it was not clear if Porter plans to file a civil suit.

Huddleston said he believes Porter is ready to move on. Prater said he believes the city needs to do the same.

"I think this city needs to heal,” he said. "It was quite a divisive issue. ... If this is the end of it, I'd be very happy.”


 

Related Topics: Law, Politics, Education, Elementary and High School Education, Criminal Law, Trials, Criminal Trials, Local Politics

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Read the testimony again. Bullies, tryants and rule benders have no place in public education. He was such a good example for our children NOT
DONCHA, WISH - Mar 7, 2008 at 2:37 pm
For all the "get rid - good riddance" people, have you really stopped to wonder why Cliff Hudson so readily quit the board. Read between the lines and stay off the "your/her people" crap.
Jackie, Oklahoma City - Mar 7, 2008 at 10:49 am
Wo is me, poor pitiful m'chai, looks like the Okie-Dokie big wigs are after her 'people' is there no shame! Okie-Dokies leave this poor girl alone!
LG, Yukon - Mar 7, 2008 at 9:49 am
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Read the investigative report. Porter was a huge mistake made by Cliff Hudson. Hudson tried to help the guy and Porter wouldn't even return his phone calls. Hudson made two mistakes. First was hiring this guy, second was resigning from the school board. We need more Cliff Hudson's to step forward, do the right thing and accept responsibility for their actions. Read the report.
Dave, Oklahoma City - Mar 7, 2008 at 9:38 am
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YES he should be reinstated. But are there adequate and substantial checks and balances in place to PREVENT another attempt to "get-rid" of Porter by the good 'ol boys network of OKLAHOMA???

Why am i NOT surprised by this most recent revelation? It's just the "typical" OKIE-DOKIE style of "BIG-WIG" leadership that seems to seldom change. Our state's leadership style is marred with the disgraceful epathets that so often mirror the era of the 1960's.

Gilchrist - she actually was guilty of doing wrong while being supported and potentially (paid) by those in high-places to conduct her dasterdly deeds under the cloak of conspiracy. HOWEVER, once the good ol' boys decided they no longer needed her - she was OUSTED to the media.

Blake - came to support our local collegiate pig-skin brawlers, only to soon discover that some of his players were intentionally sabotaging efforts on the field. YES!! I said it. Some players were refusing to execute crucial team plays, which soon enough led to Blake's demise and eventual ousting.

WOODS - came to our great state to raise funds for his charity golf program, and was FORCED to spread his message of hope and prosperity for our youth, at a municipal city park filled with sand dunes. NOT a legitimate golf course. A recreational PARK is where he held his charity work event. However, when he's in our state to play for a PGA title match, his accomodations are appropriate. (I guess because the national networks are broadcasting it.)

Porter - the saga continues to unfold.

SAD, PITIFUL AND SHAMEFUL - OKIE STYLE.
m'chai, okc - Mar 7, 2008 at 9:25 am
Most crooks wants people to move on so no one remembers or finds out all the facts of what they did. I was interested that there were readily available documents that did not come out before the palace coup. Shouldn't those administrators and employees who withheld this information be questioned and investigated as they may have benefited financially from Porter's removal by higher paying positions or keeping the ones they should have never had?

Of course they all want to move on.
joseph, oklahoma city - Mar 7, 2008 at 8:10 am
He's got to be crazy if he thinks he can stay in this town.
c, Oklahoma City - Mar 7, 2008 at 8:08 am
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