By Ashley Sanders

Port Arthur ISD has two new leaders at the helm — one a recognizable district figure, the other a new guy on the block.

Dr. Mark Porterie and Morcease Beasley were recognized by the district Tuesday for their recent appointments to assistant to the superintendent and deputy superintendent for curriculum, respectively.

“The new job is wonderful,” Porterie said during the reception. “I am learning so much about how the district is run.”

Porterie, who left his post as principal at Sam Houston Elementary to take the new administrative job, said his heart would always be with the students and staff at Sam Houston.

“I will always love Sam Houston,” he said. “I will miss most the smiling faces of the children. But that is what I am doing this job for, the children.”

Both Porterie and Beasley began their new jobs on Monday. And according to Beasley, the first few days have been “very good.”

“We have been busy,” he said. “I am working on the work — visiting schools, speaking with principals and getting acquainted with the staff.”

Beasley worked five years at the Dekalb County Schools in Georgia, prior to joining the PAISD team. His last position with Dekalb was principal and chief learning officer for Stephenson High School.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for me to assist principals in improving student achievement,” Beasley said of the reason why he came to Port Arthur. “Together we can utilize all of the talent here to achieve more for our students.”

Beasley, his wife and four children are in the process of finalizing their move to the area.

“Everyone in this area has been very welcoming,” he said. “People here are just so friendly and hospitable.”

Superintendent Johnny Brown said he was proud to have Beasley and Porterie on his administrative team and that he “envisioned much success in Port Arthur.”