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Fort Dodge Community School District Superintendent Josh Porter takes questions from students earlier this year.
When Josh Porter became the new superintendent of the Fort Dodge Community School District last summer, he listed goals and objectives for both the short- and long-term vision for his term.
Porter admitted to himself that some were ambitious. Others will take time and concerted effort to accomplish.
Building a better overall climate and culture was an immediate and realistic priority for Porter. He knew the district's collective mindset couldn't be measured on a balance sheet or performance report, but the 1999 Fort Dodge High School graduate still felt many intangible areas needed to be addressed in order to inspire real growth and improvement.
“Honestly, it's about being present and showing up first and foremost.” Porter said. “Knowing that I had to set a standard for our building leaders to follow. If I want our administrators, teachers, and anyone associated with the district to push our message forward, the trust factor starts with me. This was a big part of my focus (in year one): Ensuring that we create a level of stability and fidelity at the leadership level.
The challenges FDCSD faces—both in reality and in perception—are sometimes daunting. Porter, the fourth superintendent for several years, has sought to address those concerns directly, while also finding better ways to highlight the strengths the district already has.
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Mason Goto recently attended a lesson with kindergarten students at the Early Childhood Center.
“It's definitely a competitive environment.” Porter said. “Knowing that, how can we be creative and proactive about what we have to offer here at Fort Dodge? We need to do a better job of promoting the public education experience and, more specifically, attracting and retaining the teachers and staff that will make this a better place.”
FDCSD made statewide headlines recently when its Board of Education approved bonuses of $1,000 and $500, respectively, for full- and part-time employees. This was intended to be a symbol of appreciation and investment in the 550 people “Who are the backbone of our region?” According to Porter.
“Again, it goes back to being thankful for the family we have.” Porter said. “There are so many wonderful, dedicated people here, and we do our best to find ways to make them feel appreciated. That's so important in this day and age.”
“You have to share and grow your brand, and celebrate the people who are part of it. This tends to create a ripple effect in maintaining what we have and recruiting others to join us.”
one of “Victories” Porter promotes the environment at the early childhood center. Nearly 450 students in preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten call ECC home.
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Mason Goto reacts to her class' performance at the Early Childhood Center.
The district recently announced that two more preschool classes will be added to the roster for the 2024-25 school year.
“The ECC experience is unparalleled.” Porter said. “It's a special place. Not only for what (teachers and staff) accomplish there, but also for the passion they show for what they do.
“The Early Learning Center is a perfect example of what good public education looks like. We have opened the door to an additional 40 children next year by expanding the opportunities we offer through the preschool program. I am really proud of what the staff has done through hard work and commitment.” To each other and the love they show to their children.
Mason Goto, a 2017 FDSH graduate, returned to Fort Dodge after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Goto is in her second year of teaching kindergarten at the Early Childhood Care Center.
“My journey as an educator has been deeply influenced by the people and places I have encountered along the way.” Goto said. “My city played an important role in making me the person I am today. The values my parents and community instilled in me were the foundation on which I built my career.
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Fort Dodge Community School District Superintendent Josh Porter, right, talks with Bruce Taher, CEO of Taher Foods, at Fort Dodge Senior High School earlier this year.
“When I returned to FDCSD, I found a supportive network that not only embraced me, but also helped me thrive. My current principal (Jerry Ayala Thompson) coached me and taught me how to be the teacher I am today. Mr. Porter can be seen in my classroom, eating lunch with My students and wants to discover what works. Knowing that our superintendent is dedicated to the well-being of our students and staff gives me great reassurance. It is truly gratifying to feel supported at every level of our organization.
Ryan Flaherty has a unique perspective as an administrator and parent. Flaherty is the principal at Duncombe Elementary School, and has two sons — an 11th grader and a sixth grader — in the district.
“I am proud of the Fort Dodge Community School District.” Flaherty said. “From the top, with Superintendent Porter and our school board, all the way down to all the staff who do the work every day with the kids, we work hard to do what is right for the students.
“I feel fortunate to have a position in a school and in a district where the people above me and those around me share my values and help me improve every day. I have been a school principal in Fort Dodge for 13 years and have no intention of doing anything else in my career.” In a time when public education and our community are often under intense scrutiny and criticism, I am very happy to say that this is my home, led by our district leadership, and to consider Duncombe Elementary School my second family.
Porter is adamant “The need for continuous development.” He is not shy about confronting how the district's classrooms are performing, which is not as good as he would like to see.
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Fort Dodge Community School District Superintendent Josh Porter reads a book to students earlier this year.
“Our district-wide reading proficiency at grade level is 46 percent.” Porter said. “We have to improve that across the board. That's our number one goal, and it's a big focus right now.”
“Fortunately, I meet regularly with (Executive Director of Educational Services) Aaron Davidson and (Director of Curriculum and Instruction) Terry Posinger. We bounce ideas off each other and discuss the most effective ways to address the biggest challenges we face. This is a team and collaborative effort. We can't do thousands more.” “Things at a time, and I don't have all the answers. We just have to focus on one step at a time.”
Porter added that at the end of the day, “Our greatest advocates must be our people.”
“Of course, everyone in education today is looking to fill the gaps and find ways to make up for the shortage (of teachers and staff).” Porter said. “We're all in the same boat. So what can we do to differentiate ourselves, and make Fort Dodge a place people want to work and live? Well, it starts with getting our employees on the same page and spreading the word on our behalf.”
Porter's energy and approach as superintendent will remain “Old school.”
“Keep the lines of communication open. Let them know they are supported and that you care about them. Porter said. “Word spreads quickly if you treat people the right way and build a positive message.
“Our teachers are amazing. Our paratroopers and guard staff are top notch. You never want to take their hard work and loyalty for granted. I want to make sure the changes are for the better.”
