WCS sets superintendent salary, property task force

Washington County Schools set a $155,000 minimum salary for its next superintendent Tuesday and agreed to create an intergovernmental task force to advise the board on the future of the former Jonesborough school property. In the special called meeting, the school board unanimously approved qualifications for the superintendent search, allowing the Tennessee School Boards Association to move forward with the process. Board Chair Annette Buchanan said the qualifications are similar to those used in the previous superintendent search. The board also discussed the superintendent's salary. Buchanan said the position previously paid between $127,000 and $140,000, with the current base salary set at $140,000 plus a performance bonus based on the superintendent's annual evaluation. Superintendent Jerry Boyd said he started at a $140,000 base salary and received additional compensation based on performance and outcomes, bringing his total compensation to $165,000. The board also discussed the future of the former Jonesborough school property after receiving an outline from the TCI Group for marketing concepts of the land. Barnes said the school system has not had success finding a buyer and said an intergovernmental task force could help address questions involving roads and rights of way. "I really believe that in order to answer some of these questions and get some direction, we need to have an intergovernmental task force established," Barnes said, noting the school system is dependent on Washington County and the Town of Jonesborough on some issues. Board member Whitney Riddle questioned whether spending an estimated $2.2 million to $2.3 million to demolish the former school, as outlined in a proposal, would be worthwhile. "We might be spending a lot of money on something we don't need," Riddle said. "What are you going to get back?" "Until we have a hard offer … We need more opinions from the other stakeholders — the county commission, the Town of Jonesborough — before we make decisions on some of these questions that may not fly with the other communities," Fleenor agreed. The proposed task force will include the Washington County Board of Education chairperson, school superintendent, county mayor, county commission chair, Jonesborough mayor and Jonesborough city manager. "These six people are identified as their governmental spokespersons but they may bring in whatever advisories they need," Barnes said. Buchanan said the chairs may be able to appoint someone to serve in their place. Board members emphasized that the task force would not bind the school board to any particular decision but would provide an opportunity for guidance and collaboration among the governments. Boyd added that any task force meeting would be advertised and held as a public meeting, with discussion to continue at the workshop next week. The board's next workshop is scheduled for Aug. 25. The next regular meeting is Sept. 15 at the school system's Central Office, 405 W. College St., Jonesborough.