Despite objections, Muscogee County School Board extends superintendent's contract
Despite objections from two members, the Muscogee County School Board has extended the contract of the superintendent, who declined a raise.
The board voted 7-0 with two abstentions Monday night to extend David Lewis' three-year contract by one year.
It's the second straight year the board rolled over the superintendent's agreement after he was hired in July 2013 from Polk County, Fla., where he was an associate superintendent. The current contract was scheduled to expire Sept. 30, 2017. The new contract, starting Dec. 1, 2015, will end Nov. 30, 2018, unless it is extended or terminated. The base salary remains $170,000.
The October 2014 vote to extend Lewis' contract was unanimous. But new representatives Frank Myers of District 8 and John Thomas of District 2 weren't on the board then. Both have criticized the administration and board for not being transparent enough.
"I wasn't part of any input on that contract," Thomas said, "and I feel like we're being asked to do something premature. Not to say that we're not going in the right direction, but what measure do we have to say that we are?"
Earlier in the day, the state released the Georgia Milestones scores from 2015, the first year of the new and more rigorous standardized tests. Muscogee County scored below the state average on all but one of the 32 exams.
Last week, Muscogee County received better news from the Georgia Department of Education. The graduation rate improved at every high school in the district and by 8.0 percentage points overall, from 76.6 to 84.6. That continued to surpass the state average, which improved from 72.5 to 78.8.
Thomas, however, reminded the board and audience, "This is the first year in about 25 years that students didn't have to pass the graduation tests to get the degree, to get the diploma. So that measure means nothing."
Thomas added, "I want to point out that I have supported Dr. Lewis in every appointment he has made as far as personnel goes and implementing his plan and moving us toward academic achievement. But I do not feel I have enough to work with to make the decision, yes or no. For that reason, I will abstain."
Myers took exception to the board evaluating the superintendent in closed session, in which he and Thomas refused to participate. Myers noted Georgia law allows but doesn't require school boards to evaluate the superintendent in closed session.
"When you're talking about the future of the highest-paid governmental official in Muscogee County," he said, "that needs to be done in the sunshine."
Myers said he was about to abstain, instead of voting no, because he didn't want it to be interpreted as a vote of no confidence in Lewis.
"Like John, I'm going to give him an incomplete, because I'm still waiting and seeing and very hopeful," Myers said. "But I will tell you, there are a couple of things that have got to change, and one of them is the free flow of information.
"We are the board, we are the bosses, contrary to what you may see week to week up here. When I ask for information, I expect to get it -- pronto -- as a member of this board of education. Either I'm not getting certain information or it's delayed."
Then, referring to the superintendent, Myers concluded, "I'm asking him to fix our failing schools, and I think that's a reasonable request."
After the vote and a round of applause, Lewis said, "Thank you very much. I just want to say that I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as superintendent of this district. It is certainly something that I look forward to doing every day when I get up, and I go to bed thinking about how to improve student achievement. It's important to me, it's important to this district, and I appreciate the confidence you placed in me."
Board chairman Rob Varner of District 5 described that confidence in an interview with the Ledger-Enquirer after the meeting.
"It's just a show of support for our superintendent, who the board generally thinks has done an outstanding job in his tenure," Varner said.
Varner said a majority of the board favored giving Lewis a 3 percent raise but the superintendent turned it down.
Lewis told the L-E such a raise would conflict with the district's policy that requires three years before an employee could be considered for a raise.
"I felt like it's part of leadership to set an example," Lewis said. "More importantly, it's just the right thing to do.
In addition to the superintendent's base salary, according to his contract, Lewis also receives:
15 days of annual leave.
1.25 days of sick leave per month for a maximum of 120 days.
Contributions from the district to his account in the Georgia Teacher's Retirement System.
An option to voluntarily contribute to a 403(b) Retirement Plan, which the district will match up to a maximum of 3 percent of the superintendent's salary or $5,000, whichever is less.
Health insurance options, although the superintendent is responsible for dependent coverage.
Term life insurance, which the district will pay the premium for a $250,000 policy.
Long-term disability, which the district will pay the premium (value not mentioned).
Short-term disability, which the district will pay the premium with a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month.
The cost of dues and charges in connection with the superintendent's membership in professional organizations and one civic club of his choosing.
$600 per month for an automobile allowance, plus mileage at the standard rate set by the IRS for out-of-town business.
Mark Rice, 706-576-6272. Follow him on Twitter@MarkRiceLE.
This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 9:38 PM with the headline "Despite objections, Muscogee County School Board extends superintendent's contract ."