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Florida Virtual School board approves Sam Bergis' contract, sets salary at $320,000 with six‑month review
Summary
At a special virtual meeting the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees approved a contract hiring Sam Bergis as president and CEO, amending the proposed $310,000 salary to $320,000 and directing that the board review his compensation after six months.
The Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees on Thursday approved an employment contract naming Sam Bergis as the school’s next president and chief executive officer, amending the salary in the proposed agreement from $310,000 to $320,000 and directing staff to return with a six‑month review of his compensation.
General counsel Dr. Dagetta summarized the recruitment and vetting process that led to Bergis’s selection, saying the search produced more than 100 applicants and the board chose Bergis as its finalist in March. “The office of general counsel has reviewed the contract and determine that the form and substance of it is consistent with applicable board policies and applicable laws and regulations of the state of Florida,” she told trustees before the vote.
Discussion among trustees focused on the starting salary. One trustee argued a new contract provides an opportunity to increase the initial salary for a new CEO, proposing a $320,000 starting salary to reflect market comparators and replacement costs. Several trustees, including Rob Caner and Ed Polei, voiced support for the higher figure and suggested a six‑month review to evaluate performance before further adjustments.
A motion to amend the contract—to set the salary at $320,000 and direct the general counsel and HR to bring the compensation package back for board review in six months—was offered and seconded. The board voted to adopt the amendment, and then voted to approve the main motion as amended. The chair announced the motions carried; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.
Bergis, who has served as FLVS chief operating officer and was identified in the agenda as the board’s chosen successor, accepted the contract and thanked trustees. “I’m humbled and honored,” he said, adding he looks forward to working with the board to “hyperpersonalize this educational journey for our students.” Outgoing leader Dr. Al Gays offered brief congratulatory remarks.
The board’s action includes no additional detail in the transcript about vote counts or dissenting votes; the contract and compensation exhibits were referenced as Exhibit A and Exhibit B on the meeting agenda. The meeting closed after brief closing remarks and the board adjourned.
