Thursday, September 11, 2008

Del Mar Union School District approves new superintendent’s contract

Source: Carmel Valley News

By Matt Liebowitz

At its Sept. 3 meeting, the board of trustees of the Del Mar Union School District unanimously voted to approve the contract for new superintendent Dr. Sharon McClain.

McClain’s effective date of employment will be Sept. 17, allowing her time to transition from her current position as superintendent of Hermosa Beach City School District, a post she’s maintained since 2003.

Under the contract, McClain will be paid $168,000 for the 2008–2009 school year. Her salary will be $178,000 for the following year, $183,000 for the 2010-2011 year, and $188,000 for the year beginning in fall 2011.

If the board, in its year-end evaluation, deems McClain’s performance “superior,” they may approve an additional merit-based salary increase up to 6 percent of her annual salary.

To further aid in her transition to Del Mar, the board, at the beginning of her contract, will provide McClain with a stipend of $1,500 per month for six months for temporary housing while she relocates.

The board will also reimburse McClain for expenses tied to relocation to the county of San Diego or San Clemente within 24 months, not to exceed $10,000. The reimbursement covers only moving expenses, and cannot be applied to any costs associated with the purchase of a new residence. Per contract requirements, one of McClain’s first orders of business will be to submit an initial analysis to the board regarding district needs to be addressed during the first year. McClain must turn in the analysis within two months of her date of employment.

Though she’s in the process of tying up loose ends in Hermosa Beach—including hiring a new superintendent to replace her—McClain was present at the meeting, and also made rounds of the district’s schools on the first day of school, Aug. 25. “We appreciate the fact that even though she’s in transition, she’s giving us her time here,” said Interim Superintendent Janet Bernard, who also said that McClain had already scheduled several meetings this week to get up to speed.