The Wayne County Board of Education takes the next steps in the search for a Superintendent. In a special called meeting on January 20th, the board approves the timeline, advertising, and application.
Board of Education members met virtually with representatives of Ray and Associates, Inc. (the firm recently approved to support the Board with its superintendent search). Board members discussed the firm’s draft search process timeline and made a number of calendar changes to prevent meeting conflicts.
As part of the discussion to establish a salary range for advertisements, Attorney Schwartz listed various superintendent salary averages over the past two years for similar-sized North Carolina school districts, as well as the average salaries of superintendents within the state’s Superintendent 4 Salary Category (10,001 – 25,000 ADM). He noted two years ago, WCPS ranked as the 8th largest school district in Superintendent 4 Salary Category and was among the four lowest in salaries. Chair Leatham expressed that the Board should not come across that it cannot afford to pay for a good candidate, but that it should take into account what it can afford to pay. Vice-Chair Foucht expressed that the Board cannot afford to underpay a superintendent. He then suggested that the Board add an additional $5,000 of local funds to the monthly state salary (approximately $204,000 annually), which would be $20 thousand less annually than the top five superintendent salary averages for similar sized districts. Chair Leatham suggested a $6,500 addition to the monthly state salary for the top-end of the salary range (approximately $222,000 annually). After some discussion, Vice-Chair Foucht motioned to approve a salary range of $204,000 – $222,000 annually, plus benefits, which could be listed in the firm’s advertising. Seconded by Board Member Burden, the motion passed unanimously.
Some discussion followed about the firm’s advertising recommendations and options for the opening. After some discussion and clarifications from the firm about options, the Board unanimously approved to advertise using all of the firm’s recommended options, the AASA Job Flash package, and the optional Career Builder. The Board agreed that the district will develop the ad for the opening.
Other discussion centered around the draft superintendent application, community engagement opportunities and the qualities that stakeholders and the Board want in its next superintendent. Without any further discussion with the firm representatives, the Board unanimously approved its contract with Ray and Associates, Inc.
