SHAVER – Former Madera Unified School District Associate Superintendent Kelly Porterfield (51) was killed early Tuesday evening on State Route 168 near Shaver Lake following a collision involving his motorcycle and a Dodge Caravan.

California Highway Patrol officials say the driver of the minivan, Aaron Harper (19) was traveling eastbound on State Route 168 at Shaver Forest Highway when he pulled over to the shoulder of the road. Officers say the driver attempted to make a U-turn onto the westbound lane and crashed into Porterfield’s oncoming Honda 125 motorcycle.

Porterfield, who was traveling in the area of his vacation cabin, suffered major injuries from the collision. CHP and ambulance crew provided medical aid, but he died from his injuries at the scene. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. An investigation is underway.

After leaving Madera Unified in August of 2012, Porterfield accepted a position with the Central Unified School District. Porterfield said at the time, he was recruited by Central Unified after a phone call from the district’s then-superintendent, Mike Berg. Berg was conducting a salary survey of neighboring districts and one thing led to another. He said it was a hard decision for him because his heart was at Madera Unified but this was a good move for himself and his family.

Porterfield was first hired by MUSD as its faculty’s director in January of 2003 and promoted to Associated Superintendent of Business in July of 2006. In that time Porterfield has worked to keep MUSD's financial head above water in during the great recession. Then superintendent for MUSD Gustavo Balderas said of Porterfield leaving for Central, "This is a big loss for Madera. Kelly has kept us in the black during the toughest time the district has ever had. I am very happy for him. It is a great gain for Central."

The loss of Kelly in this world will be an even bigger loss to his family, friends, co-educators, and students of Central Unified. The man truly enjoyed working in education. You could see it in his smile that stretched from ear to ear any time he got to work directly with the kids. I will always remember the two graduations Kelly presided over as the “acting” superintendent for Madera Unified. I have never seen anyone else in that position happier to approve of a graduating class.

Madera Unified Superintendent Todd Lile had this to say of Porterfield, "Kelly was well-loved within our district and really encouraged a lot of our current leadership.".

Kelly leaves behind his wife Melissa Porterfield, four children and three grandchildren.

Central Unified released a statement addressing Porterfield's death:

Central Unified School District is mourning the tragic loss of Kelly Porterfield, our Assistant Superintendent and Chief Business Officer. Kelly has been with the district for 7 years and under his leadership, we have modernized and upgraded numerous facilities, built Tilley Elementary School, started construction on a new high school, and begun early plans for the construction of another elementary school. Kelly has ensured the district maintain a healthy budget despite economic downturns and uncertainty. 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.