We understand the good folk elected to the Goodrich Board of Education are not sales people. They are concerned individuals on board ‘for the kids? of Goodrich School District. But, in regards to filling the superintendent position, they need a better sales pitch.
Last week we reported the board is split on the last two candidates to fill the position. In other words, there was no clear winner. During the discussion, members of the board bantied about the idea of upping the posted salary to attract more candidates.
The 2,162-student district opened the salary at $115,000 a year. If you do the math, that equates to $53.19 per student. We reported last week, too, that two nearby districts in Oakland County, Brandon and Oxford, pay more for their school superintendent. Brandon pays $126,000; Oxford, $131,500. Brandon has 3,584 students; Oxford 4,300.
Oxford has five elementary schools, a middle school, high school and also is in charge of Crossroads for Youth (kids go to Crossroads to live and be educated by court orders). Oxford pays its superintendent $30.58 per student. Goodrich pays $53.19 per student.
Brandon has four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school and pays the person in charge $35.15 per student. Goodrich pays $53.19 per student.
Remember, too: Both Brandon and Oxford are in Oakland County ? historically one of the top five wealthiest counties in the nation. Goodrich has two elementary schools, a high school and a middle school and is located in Genesee County ? a poor neighbor to Oakland County.
Granted, Goodrich is one of the fortunate districts in the county when it comes to financial stability, but it still isn’t Oakland County. And, this is part of the sales pitch the Goodrich Board needs to sell.
Being the superintendent is a GREAT job in a great, supportive community. It is a job that pays better than districts in Oakland County. Fewer kids, fewer parents, fewer headaches and greater pay ? a great job. It should be an easy pitch, but first the board has to believe it is a great job.
While it’s a shame taxpayers have already shelled out $5,000 to search for a superintendent, since there is no clear candidate, keep searching through the school year’s end. However, we recommend the board not open the taxpayers? wallets any further. Keep the $115,000 salary and use the extra money to buy pencils and paper for students. DPR