Greater Latrobe superintendent to step down, cites need to focus on health, family

Superintendent Mike Porembka is preparing to step away from Greater Latrobe, the school district where he has worked for more than 25 years.

Porembka announced his plan to resign to school board members during an executive session after the board’s Tuesday meeting and followed that with a letter to the school community.

He has not set a date for his departure, but said he is stepping down to focus on his health and his family.

“I had some health issues earlier in June, and it starts to get you thinking about your priorities in life. I just decided it was time for me to maybe prioritize my own family and be a better son, father and husband,” Porembka told TribLive.

He didn’t discuss specifics of his health.

Porembka, 49, said he doesn’t regret the time he’s devoted to the district, but said his family “probably need me more right now. I don’t want to miss another minute.”

Porembka said he intends to work with district Solicitor Ned Nakles in planning for his departure date.

Veteran school director Merle L. Musick said board members were stunned when Porembka announced his intention to resign.

“I really hate to see him go,” said Musick. “In every role he’s been put in he’s done an exceptional job.”

He praised Porembka’s rapport with Greater Latrobe students and said he had a leading role in increasing security measures and staffing at district schools.

“Whoever we select to take his seat at the table will have big shoes to fill,” Musick said.

Porembka said it was important for him to see through settlement of a new district contract with its teachers’ union. The school board ratified the five-year agreement Tuesday.

“I’ve given everything I can to the district,” he said. “Now, it’s time for somebody new to take over.

“I’m going to miss the (students) the most. They were always my first priority.”

He said he’s glad his children will continue their education at the district.

His son, Gunner, is in seventh grade, and his daughter, Griffin, is in fifth grade. His wife, Megan, is a biology teacher at Greater Latrobe Senior High.

“While it has been a hard decision to step away from my duties, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity I have had to serve this community,” Porembka stated in his letter.

A graduate of neighboring Derry Area School District, Porembka completed student teaching at Greater Latrobe in 1997 and joined the staff as a social studies teacher the following year. His subsequent roles have included assistant junior high principal, Baggaley Elementary principal, interim director of facilities, director of teaching and learning and assistant superintendent.

He was promoted to superintendent in January 2022, upon the retirement of his predecessor, Georgia Teppert.

Porembka said he’s not sure what his next career step may be, but indicated it would not involve working for another school district.

“I’m not moving on to another community,” he said. “This is our home.”

Musick’s son, Merle D., who is president of the school board, was a student at Baggaley Elementary while Porembka served there as principal.

Porembka “would take time out of his day to talk to every student and make sure they were doing OK,” the younger Musick recalled. “He’s been an inspiration to the community and has always been someone to look up to.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him. I’m going to miss working with him.”