RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-1501

A resolution recognizing and congratulating Gracie Porter on being named Chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Education.

WHEREAS, members of the School Board are elected to sit in trust for their diverse communities, and in the capacity are charged with meeting the community’s expectations and aspirations for the public education of their children; and

WHEREAS, on September 14, 2010, Gracie Porter was named Chair of the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Education, becoming the first African American women to hold that position; and

WHEREAS, she has been a member of the board since 2006, serving in several local, state, and national positions such as Charter Schools Board Liaison, Insurance Trust; Sick Leave Bank; PENCIL Foundation Board; Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Board of Directors; TSBA - Level III Boardsmanship Recipient; National School Boards Association Representative; and recently elected to the Steering Committee of NSBA’s Council of Urban Boards of Education; and

WHEREAS, she has been instrumental in organizations such as Margaret Maddox YMCA, Leadership Nashville, Friends of East Park, and 100 Black Women. But perhaps most importantly, she has directly impacted the lives of students through the more than 40 years of service to Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools as teacher, librarian, principal and now Board Member; and

WHEREAS, after only a brief time as Chair, Mrs. Porter has committed most of this time planning and working closely with the Director of Schools to ensure the board remains focused and committed to making Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools the first choice for families; and

WHEREAS, she has selflessly donated countless hours to public service to ensure a clear, shared vision of public education for schools, that set a high standard for the education of all students, and require the effective and efficient operation of the Metropolitan Nashville School System; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Gracie Porter on her new position as she devotes her time and energy for the education of our children.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and congratulating Gracie Porter on being named Chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Education.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to newly named Chairman Gracie Porter.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jerry Maynard, Mike Jameson, Erik Cole, Megan Barry, Sandra Moore, Anna Page, Kristine LaLonde, Erica Gilmore, Vivian Wilhoite, Emily Evans, Karen Bennett

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	January 4, 2011
Adopted:	January 4, 2011
Approved:	January 5, 2011
By: