March 7, 2008

By Wendy K. Kleinman
Staff Writer, The Oklahoman

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

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.”