Board approves new instructional principal for Kramer after debate over cost and advertisement

The board voted June 18 to approve a contract addendum creating an instructional principal position intended primarily to support Kramer Elementary, where enrollment has risen to roughly 570 students and staff reported a need for additional administrative support.

During debate, board members questioned funding, advertising and whether the role duplicated a vice‑principal function. A member said the position’s salary (cited during discussion at about $106,000) and total annual cost with benefits (about $166,000) were significant and asked whether the position had been advertised outside the district. The superintendent said the position would be funded from savings created by retirements and internal reorganization, that the role differs from an assistant principal by emphasizing coaching and instructional leadership, and that the proposed candidate brings years of experience and coaching skills the district needs.

Mrs. King cast the lone no vote; Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Meade and Dr. Howard voted yes. The superintendent said the position could be flexible across buildings in future years depending on enrollment shifts.

Why it matters: The hire alters elementary leadership capacity at Kramer and shifts district personnel costs. Board members expressed mixed views about transparency of the hiring process and long‑term affordability; a majority approved the addendum, authorizing the superintendent to proceed with the appointment and contract execution.

Next steps: The district will proceed with the contract addendum, incorporate the new position into the 2026–27 staffing plan and include the cost in the permanent appropriations review this summer.