Blake Steps Down as Board of Education President

Patrick Blake, the president of the Portland Public School Board of Education, recently announced his decision to step down from the board.

In an email to The Portland Beacon, Blake said, “Though I have greatly enjoyed my eleven years on the Portland Board of Education, and have the greatest respect for everyone involved, we are moving out of the district and I will no longer be able to serve on the Board of Education. Portland will always be near and dear to my heart, and you know I will continue to promote this fantastic district, and help in any way I can to make it succeed.”

Blake added, “Portland Public Schools are in excellent hands with Superintendent Heath, the Central Office, the excellent staff and all the Board of Education. It has been an honor to serve for eleven years. I wanted to stay on at least until the May vote; however, moving out of the district makes it impossible to continue to serve.”

Blake has a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Master of Management from Aquinas College. He is the General Manager of Maxima Supply located in Holt.

Blake concluded by saying, “I know that Portland Public Schools will find a suitable replacement soon and from my entire family, we wish everyone in Portland only the best!”

When asked about Blake’s departure, Superintendent Will Heath said, "Pat has been a dedicated Board member for eleven years. He took over as Board president just after I was hired as superintendent and we have worked closely to run this district ever since. I appreciate Pat's approach to education and the support he has given me as a superintendent. Pat's eleven years demonstrate his dedication to the district and every student who passed through our doors. Pat's leadership will be missed."