Board approves three‑year contract for assistant superintendent; questions about public posting and terms raised

The Oxford Area Board of School Directors voted on March 18 to approve a three‑year contract for Dr. Margaret Billings Jones as assistant superintendent, with the term running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

During discussion, a board member asked whether the contract would be read aloud or made available to the public. A board official said the board would not read the full contract during the meeting but that it would be posted after approval.

Board staff then summarized changes from the previous contract. The board was told the contract provides a three‑year term, sets the annual salary at $239,857 and increases vacation to 30 days. Meeting discussion also referenced a payment provision related to unused leave; the speaker clarified that a $100 per day figure discussed applied to sick time in the revised language.

Board action: After the summary of changes and a brief discussion, the board took a roll call vote. Members recorded as voting yes included Mister Atkinson, Miss Dean, Miss Duweese, Mister Claus, Miss Frederick and Miss Warren; Mister Blessington was recorded earlier in the roll call as having voted (notation in transcript indicates the roll call carried); Mister Patterson was absent. The motion to approve the contract carried.

Context: The board previously held an executive session on March 11 to discuss contract negotiations for the assistant superintendent. A public commenter earlier in the evening had raised concerns about public access to administrative contracts under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.

Ending: District staff said the executed contract will be posted with meeting materials following approval.