Board debates three staffing options to replace retiring federal‑programs coordinator/principal

The board spent an extended portion of Wednesday’s meeting discussing how to fill the combined Strode Mills principal and federal‑programs coordinator role following the incumbent’s planned retirement on June 30. Superintendent Mr. Varner presented three options that would separate federal programs from the building principal role and reorganize elementary administrative coverage.

Option 1 would move federal programs back to central administration, hire a principal solely for Strode Mills, and add an assistant principal to create dedicated principals and APs at the district’s three large elementary schools; the superintendent said that option improves consistency and school safety but would add staff. Mrs. Knecht (treasurer) estimated the approximate annual cost for a principal plus benefits at around $160,000. Option 2 proposed reassigning existing principals without adding staff (budget neutral) but would reduce administrative consistency at some buildings. Option 3 would achieve Option 1’s coverage while offsetting cost by eliminating the academy principal position, a tradeoff board members described as a potential net negative to the academy.

Board members debated trade‑offs between instructional supervision, continuity, budget impact, and Title I reimbursements. Mr. Varner said roughly half of the retiring coordinator’s salary is charged to Title I and that shifting federal programs centrally would leave Title I funds available to offset part of a new East Dairy principal position because East Dairy is a Title I school. Several board members prioritized instructional supervision and consistent building leadership, while others urged budget caution and asked for clearer Title I rules in case federal funding changes.

Outcome and next steps: The board agreed to remove Option 2 from consideration and directed administration to place Options 1 and 3 on a future board agenda for a vote. The superintendent said administration will return with staffing language and budget details, including precise Title I allocations and sustainability analysis.