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Central Unified Administrator Dies in Shaver Lake Crash
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 6 years ago on
July 17, 2019

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A Central Unified administrator died in a motorcycle collision Tuesday night near Shaver Lake, the California Highway Patrol said.
Kelly Porterfield served as the district’s assistant superintendent and chief business officer. He was the district’s interim superintendent in 2018.

Collision with Vehicle Attempting U-Turn

According to CHP Sgt. Matt Zulim, a Dodge Caravan was traveling east on Highway 168, between Bretz Mill and Shaver Lake Forest roads. About 5:37 p.m., the driver — a 25-year-old man from North Hollywood — pulled over and attempted to make a U-turn.
Porterfield, riding a 2019 Honda 125 cc motorcycle, crashed into the driver’s side of the Caravan.
There were no apparent skid or brake marks. The driver called 911 and stayed at the scene. Emergency crews arrived but could not save Porterfield.
Zulim says neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor. Porterfield was wearing a helmet.
An investigation is under review, with an autopsy scheduled for Thursday. The driver was not arrested or cited, but if found liable he could be charged with manslaughter.

Reaction from the School District

“It’s devastating news. The district suffered a big loss today,” said Terry Cox, a Central Unified school board trustee. “Mr. Porterfield has led many projects in the district. We are going to miss his expertise and skills.”
A statement from the school district said Porterfield had been with Central Unified for seven years. It said Porterfield led efforts to upgrade facilities, build Tilley Elementary School, and begin construction of a new, state-of-the-art high school.
“He is beloved by every employee in the district. His dedication to his family, work, and the Central Unified community make his loss all the more devastating to us,” the statement said.
Porterfield, 51, is survived by his wife, Melissa, four children, and three grandchildren.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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