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Board should take time to choose school leader |
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Our school board members will soon be faced with their most important choice to date - a new top administrator for Jackson County's six schools.
We are confident they understand the importance of finding the right superintendent to lead Jackson County's administrators and teachers in providing the best possible education for our children. While we know they understand the magnitude of the decision, we are not clear on the kind of individual board members will seek. From our view, this may be the time for local officials to think a little differently for our schools. Every superintendent Jackson County has had since 1980 has basically retired from that position. For Earl Hooper, Joe Cowan, Charles McConnell and now Frank Burrell, the post of administrative leader for our small system has been the last full-time educational job they've held. While experience is definitely a plus, superintendents nearing retirement have valid concerns about earning the maximum they can. Retirement income in North Carolina is largely based on earnings during an individual's final years of work. We feel that there are younger educators out there with good ideas who might be willing to come here as a first step in their career as superintendents. Maybe it's time Jackson County looked for someone on the way up - a leader so anxious to prove himself or herself that a local supplement will not be required. Since McConnell's arrival in 1991, at least $23,000 per year in local funds has been spent on a superintendent. That's in addition to the $70,000-plus state allotment the superintendent receives. We're not going to argue the merits of individuals here. The question is not whether McConnell and Burrell deserved the additional money; instead, it's whether Jackson County can afford to continue such a supplement in light of all our other school budget needs. Is there a dynamic individual out there that would be willing to take on the leadership of our six schools for only what the state will pay? We don't know. But unless some effort is made by board members to find out, we never will know. Luckily, we have time. Our teachers and students will have the benefit of Burrell's 30-plus years in education through January of next year. That gives board members nine months to find their next leader. We urge them to initially advertise the superintendent's job at the state scale. There's ample time to revise that position if they're not happy with the quality of the applicants they receive. Board members say they are committed to the idea of a salary supplement for teachers. Eliminating a local supplement for the superintendent would give them an opportuntiy to prove they're serious and free up money that could go directly to teachers. We know that the superintendent is vital to the health of the school system. But there's no harm in looking for one on the way up rather than on the way out. Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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