When is enough, enough?

East Maine School District #63 continues to make news. In a story written in the Journal-Topics on August 19, 2009, we were informed that recently retired from EMSD#63 Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Williams, had been awarded a consulting contract for an unspecified number of days, at $900 per day.

The article went on to say that Dr. Williams was being contracted to advise the District:

“…on a large construction project involving four schools, to prepare H1N1 flu contingencies with other school officials and to mentor several new administrators including her replacement Supt. Dr. Scott Clay.” “In addition to Clay, the district has several new senior administrators Williams will help mentor including a district executive director of curriculum and instruction, executive director of personnel and pupil services, director of special services to oversee special education and health, two interim principals at Washington, two interim principals at Mark Twain and an assistant principal at Gemini Jr. High.” “School Board President Jane Wojtkiewicz could not immediately be reached for comment.”

At first I found this situation rather odd. In hindsight, I can see why this agreement might have been necessary. The School Board apparently took “someone’s” advice on hiring these seemingly unqualified former underlings, possibly on the cheap, although I doubt that, and needed, at least for a year or so, access to a “highly qualified and award winning” superintendent for guidance, ergo, Dr. Williams.

Now, I have two questions.

First: Why are the EMSD#63 taxpayers paying full-time salaries to apprentice these "highly qualified" professionals.

Second: School Board President Wojtkiewicz and Dr. Williams; when is enough, enough?

Please take a moment to review the enclosed nine-year payroll study for EMSD#63 teachers and administrators. This report covers school years 2001 through 2009. Dr. Williams was superintendent during the entire time. The report is divided into three sections. They are:

• all teachers and administrators (AT&A)
• superintendent all nine years (SA9Y)
• superintendent last five years (SL5Y).

The last five years, 2005 through 2009 are the years covered in Dr. Williams final five-year contract prior to retirement.

The AT&A data show an increase in payroll growth only slightly higher than the growth of inflation. The increases in SA9Y and SL5Y payroll growth are obscene.

How to read the report.

Nine-Year Report - East Maine School District #63

In order to read the full report, click on Fullscreen view. Move your mouse over, and to the sides of the document. A cursor hand will appear. Click your mouse and you will be able to page through the report.

Is Dr. Williams to blame for this situation? Not at all! She is a very shrewd and intelligent woman. I don’t blame her for taking advantage of these opportunities. I mean, that last five-year contract was a doozy and $900 a day ain’t chickenfeed!

The bottom line is this. The District can no longer afford to pay for the former Superintendent's services.

The problem is: This School Board can’t seem to get enough of Dr. Kathleen Williams and Dr. Williams can’t seem to let go.

Of course, all of this is just my opinion.

What do you think?

Kenneth Butterly