New Norfolk K-6 Superintendent To Earn $650 A Day

Norfolk’s incoming interim superintendent Claire Jackson has agreed to a contract that will pay her $650 a day. The contract doesn’t say how many days Jackson will work during the term, which runs from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. (Editor’s Note: The contract is printed on page 7.)

A typical year has 260 ordinary work days for most people, but a typical superintendent’s work year (considering vacation days and other time off) is about 220 days. Beth Gilbert, chairman of the Norfolk School Committee, said the committee and Jackson have agreed to a target num­ber of 200 work days for the coming school year, which would put the total cash compensation at $130,000. That’s about what the current superintendent, Don LeClerc, is earning in salary. He is retiring June 30. The contract with Jackson includes no benefits, so the school district won’t have to pay a retirement annuity to Jack­son, who is a retired school administrator.

Also, the school district won’t have to pay for health insur­ance or a retirement annuity or provide vacation time or sick days, since Jackson is a retired superintendent. Retired school administrators typically receive health insurance benefits from a previous school district or from the state, along with a state pension. The Norfolk School Committee met this past Wednesday to negotiate the contract. The contract is subject to approval by the state education agency of a waiver that would allow Jackson to earn more money in her new position than the difference between her pension and her salary as superintendent of schools in Sha­ron before she retired. School officials expect that the state will grant the waiver. Gilbert said in an interview late this week that she is pleased the School Committee has concluded the agreement with Jackson. “The school district is extremely fortunate to have engaged the services of Dr. Claire Jackson,” Gilbert said. “She has a wealth of experience that will bear on all of the many challenges facing Norfolk in the upcoming year.” The Norfolk School Committee voted 4-1 on April 28 to hire Jackson as interim superintendent. Interim Superintendent’s Contract

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT

Norfolk Public Schools Norfolk, Massachusetts

You are notified of your appointment to the above position by the Norfolk School Committee (herein “Com­mittee”). This appointment is subject to the specific conditions outlined in this form and such others as may from time to time apply as determined by the Committee.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT 1. The appointment and your services are subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the policies, rules and regulations of the Committee, and all other agencies pertaining to your appointment or services, whether now or hereafter in force. The appointment will be finalized upon the approval of a DESE Critical Shortage Waiver from the Commissioner of Education. 2. The specific duties of the position will be determined, from time to time, by the Committee. 3. All duties and services are to be rendered in a professional, competent, faithful, and appropriate manner in accordance with the schedules and standards determined by the Superintendent’s job description and, from time to time, by and to the satisfaction of the Committee. 4. Services for this appointment are to be performed in accordance with a schedule agreed upon by the Interim Superintendent and the Committee. The duties will be primarily rendered at the offices of the Committee. The appointment will commence not earlier than July 1, 2010 and proceed on a per diem ba­sis, ending no later than June 30, 2011, and always subject to M.G.L. c. 32, §91(b). You will work with the existing Superintendent of Schools and School Committee prior to that date to effect a smooth transition at the per diem rate contained in paragraph 6 for no fewer than five (5) days, and no more than fourteen (14) days. 5. Subject to the terms of this appointment as to hours, duties, and compensation for the duration of the relationship, your employment is at will and may be terminated at any time by the Committee. You may resign upon 60 days notice to the Committee. 6. In consideration of these services, the Committee shall pay the Interim Superintendent a per diem of $650.00 for each day worked. All compensation will be paid as wages with appropriate deductions and tax withholdings. No benefits are available with this position as it is a temporary employment relationship. DATE: CHAIRPERSON, NORFOLK SCHOOL COMMITTEE: _______________________________ ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY EMPLOYEE: ________________________________ I accept the above appointment, agree with the statements made, and certify that I am not in default of any educational loan. DATE:

CLAIRE W. JACKSON, Ph.D 6 Flint Lane, Norton, MA 02766