CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Montgomery County School Board has approved a contract for the next school director, Jean Luna-Vedder.
According to the contract, Vedder’s employment will be for a four-year term, from July 5, 2022, to June 30, 2026.
She was hired at a starting base salary of $225,000 per year, which is just $5,000 less than what was proposed – and ultimately rejected – for former Director Millard House.
According to her contract, she is to be paid in equal monthly installments, with yearly increases at the same percentage as the yearly cost of living increases provided to all other employees, plus a $900 monthly travel stipend.
Mark Nolan, the School Board’s attorney, said Luna-Vedder signed the contract on Wednesday.
Salary had been major issue
Much controversy surrounded the salary of the previous director, House.
Last year, the School Board approved giving him a $60,000 raise, increasing his contracted base salary from $165,000 to $230,000. But the Montgomery County Commission rejected the CMCSS budget over the raise, sending it back to the School Board.
After funding for the salary increase was denied, House resigned to take the same position, with much higher pay, in Houston, Texas.
Nolan explained to Clarksville Now how Vedder’s salary was formulated.
“The salary was based upon both upon the last contract salary with Mr. House ($230,000) and data provided by Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, which shows that for districts in Middle Tennessee the average salary base for directors with 25,000-plus students is $287,000, and statewide, data for districts with 25,000-plus students the average base salary is $248,417,” Nolan said.
“CMCSS finished the year with approximately 37,520 students and 5,200 employees, making it, other than Fort Campbell, one of the largest employers in the area,” he said.
About Luna-Vedder
Luna-Vedder, who has a doctorate, is currently chief of student readiness with the Tennessee Department of Education.
Prior to that, she was with the district for 12 years. She was CMCSS’ director of high schools and also has experience as a principal, assistant principal and teacher.
“I am excited to have a new director on board, a contracted full-time director,” said School Board member Kent Griffy.