Liberty Elementary board approves executive director hire after debate over pay and transition time

The Liberty Elementary District governing board on June 22 approved a personnel package that includes hiring an executive director of operations, after several board members pressed staff for details about pay and transition arrangements.

Board member Todd raised concerns about the hire’s experience and salary step, saying during discussion that “it doesn't seem like this person has any experience as an executive director previously,” and asking which salary step the candidate was being placed on. District staff replied that the candidate is being hired at step B. Todd also questioned whether the district was effectively giving outside hires raises while some district office staff had been waiting for pay increases.

President Schmidt countered that “we did give all staff raises this year. Every single staff member got a raise of 2%,” and said the candidate’s 11 years of director-level experience had been given partial credit, making step B an appropriate placement. Staff explained that partial-year service in prior positions was credited and that step B equates to roughly two to three years of credited experience.

Board members also debated transition arrangements and consulting fees. Todd expressed concern about transition costs and asked whether the candidate had been told to begin shadowing under a consultant arrangement before the official start date; staff said the candidate was asked about shadowing the current director and that the board would be provided a transition plan after approval. Another board member said transition time is common and important for continuity, noting comparable district sizes and facilities responsibilities.

The agenda also included consideration of waiving liquidated damages for three employees (an assistant principal, an instructional coach and a teacher). Staff said one assistant principal provided documentation of an out-of-state relocation that met policy conditions; two other employees had not yet supplied sufficient documentation at the time the agenda was prepared and staff said they would verify any new materials and, if appropriate, bring revised waivers back to the board.

A motion to approve personnel item 2.3 — which included the executive director hire — passed unanimously, 5-0. The board directed staff to confirm the candidate’s transition and consulting arrangements and to report back with any updates to waivers for the two employees whose documentation was incomplete.