Source: Union Tribune
By Bruce Lieberman, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
DEL MAR — James Peabody is the new superintendent of the Del Mar Union School District.
The school board voted unanimously earlier this month to hire Peabody as the district’s permanent superintendent, a little more than a month after he was hired as interim superintendent to replace Sharon McClain. The board fired McClain on March 31 after she and trustees clashed over management issues.
Her ouster has drawn criticism of the board from parents and teachers, who have long said that trustees have micromanaged district business. The trustees have been largely silent on exactly why they decided to fire McClain. Trustees Katherine White, Annette Easton and Doug Perkins voted to terminate her contract, while Trustee Comischell Rodriguez voted against the ouster, and Trustee Steven McDowell abstained. McClain has vowed to sue the school district for wrongful termination, although as of this week she hasn’t done so.
Peabody is working part time as superintendent of the Julian Union High School District. He will work on a per diem basis in Del Mar until July 1, when he will come on board full time.
He will be paid $750 per day, up to 16 days per month, before July 1, according to an employment contract that trustees signed May 5. His annual salary beginning July 1 will be $180,000. He will receive 25 days of vacation annually, 24 days of sick leave annually, a monthly automobile allowance of $400 and $1,200 per month paid toward his state retirement — among other fringe benefits.
The term of his contract is two years.
Peabody was out of town to attend his son’s graduation from medical school and could not be reached. He has a 38-year career in public education. He has been a classroom teacher, track and cross-country coach, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.
He has also served as a trustee for the Alpine Union School District, and he worked for the San Diego County Office of Education as the director of its regional system of district and school support.
Bruce Lieberman: (760) 476-8205; bruce.lieberman@uniontrib.com
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