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City school board approves administrative contracts, rejects members’ pay limitation
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
There were accusations of negativity and shouts for points of order in a raucous city school board meeting that stretched more than 21/2 hours.
When it was all over Tuesday, members had approved new contracts for multiple administrators including pay increases, and rejected a resolution to tie the pay of future board members to the district’s academic performance.
Board member Dario Hunter revisited a resolution he proposed at the April 13 meeting to compensate school board members only if the school district scores at least a “C” on the state report card.
State law allows boards to vote only on compensation for future terms of city school board members, meaning changing the sitting members’ compensation of $125 per meeting per member would affect only members in future terms.
“I think it demonstrates the importance of obtaining results for the district,” Hunter said. “If you don’t produce results, you don’t get paid. Unfortunately, most of this board has exhibited poor leadership.”
Board member Jerome Williams said he thinks it’s selfish for current board members to limit future members’ pay while continuing to be compensated.
“If a board member feels they are not earning their pay, they can give it back,” he said.
Williams said Hunter should focus more on academic achievement of students than on board members’ compensation, adding that Hunter is negative.
That prompted board member Jackie Adair to call for a point of order, citing a personal attack.
She said this board doesn’t address academics or finances, both of which are part of the board’s responsibility. The district has been failing academically for many years, Adair said.
“Who are we going to hold accountable for that?” she asked.
Adair then questioned why others on the board are always trying to silence her.
Board member Ronald Shadd then called a point of order, saying that Adair’s comments weren’t related to the resolution under discussion.
The compensation resolution failed with Hunter and Adair in favor and Shadd, Williams, board President Brenda Kimble and Michael Murphy opposed. Corrine Sanderson left the meeting before the vote.
The panel also approved one- and two-year contracts for multiple administrators. The annual salaries range from $61,761 for William Baun, principal at Paul C. Bunn Elementary School, to $99,501 for Harry Evans, chief of operations who also works as business manager.
Baun retired from the district a couple of years ago and was rehired at a lower salary. The contract approved Tuesday is for two years.
Evans’ contract also is for two years and includes a pay increase. He earned $95,199 in the previous two school years.