A special search committee appointed by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has finished its work, but the 17 members have not recommended a slate of particular superintendent candidates. Instead, the panel has made 10 suggestions, including that Metro Schools should offer its next director more money.
While former superintendent Jesse Register was one of the highest-paid public officials in the city, the search committee found that Nashville has paid slightly below the median salary in recent years. Janet Miller, CEO of Colliers International’s Nashville office, says a competitive salary and increased benefits — like a car and cell phone allowance — could yield a more impressive candidate pool.
“For somebody who is a rising star, they could put that into their risk analysis and may look at a position despite the risk if the package is at an aggressive place,” Miller said.
The Metro school board is scheduled to review the search committee’s proposal Tuesday afternoon. The board will have to decide whether to hire another search firm. The panel hopes to interview potential directors in the spring and hire one at least 45 days before school board elections in August. State law bans a school board from entering into a contract with a superintendent right before or after elections.
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