School Board Gives Green Light for New Administrator

Amid cries for help from the districts top administrators, the Board of Education has decided to add a new position to the central office—only months after axing several key positions due to budget pressures.

By a vote of 6-2, the board on Tuesday accepted Superintendent of Schools Susan F. Marks' request to add a new high-level administrator, whose broad array of responsibilities would include everything from compliance with state and federal mandates, the program for academically talented students, and kindergarten enrollment.

The price tag to fill the post is expected to be roughly $150,000 in salary and $25,000 in benefits.

In appealing for the approval, both Marks and Assistant Superintendent Anthony Daddona said they were simply stretched too thin at present to make sure many technical matters were handled appropriately.

“Right now, we have an urgent situation,” said Marks, who noted that an ongoing investigation at over whether grant funds were appropriately used has shown how vulnerable the school system can be.

“This week we’ve all been reminded of the importance from the central office to the schools,” she said.

She denied suggestions apparently made on some blogs saying that the post was being created for someone in particular.

Daddona, meanwhile, said hiring the new administrator would take some pressure off him as he concentrates on developing new curriculum required to meet state guidelines that are changing over the next few years as well as continuing to evaluate data and make improvements  to improve test scores.

They got support from Mayor Richard A. Moccia, making a rare appearance at the board in his role as an ex-officio member.

“I really think you’re playing with fire,” he said, referring to the correspondence he sees in his own office on the intricacies of grants. “If you miss a deadline you’re either not going to get the money or you’re going get the money returned.”

He said the board had already shown is confidence in Marks and Daddona by extending their contracts and should accept their assessment of the situation.

Nevertheless, some board members were not convinced. Rosa Murray said she felt the needs could be met by a lower-level staffer who might command a lower salary, especially just a few months after the recent severe cuts.

“That would never fly in the business world,” she insisted.

But board member Sue Haynie said at some point the board had to make a decision. She noted that Marks request—in some form or other—has been under discussion since late June, and that even with immediate action the hiring process, would take at least a month, well after the school year is under way.

Like Murray, Migdalia Rivas opposed the decision, saying she felt a lower-level position would suffice. Jody Bishop-Pullan abstained.