It’s good to be the superintendent
Don Clark’s salary raises questions in Bridgeport.
The rumor that the Mono County Office of Education may close the Bridgeport Library won’t go away. This is the third article to state that the County has no intention of closing the library, but evidently some residents of Bridgeport and Friends of the Bridgeport Library haven’t read any of these articles.
The latest speculation is that the salary paid to the Superintendent of the Eastern Sierra Unified School District (ESUSD) could go toward funding the library. ESUSD covers 2,600 square miles; from Benton to Coleville.
The Mono County Library system had to make some difficult decisions to balance its budget at the end of 2015. In December, Abbie Bridges, Bridgeport Librarian, had 10 hours a week cut from her schedule, and support staff hours were reduced from 20 to 12 hours a week. Hours were cut at the Mammoth Lakes branch as well, and the Bookmobile was retired.
After a look at ESUSD Superintendent Don Clark’s salary, it’s easy to see how concerned citizens could wonder why he makes so much and the library is in need of funding. Clark makes more money than any other person in the education system in Inyo and Mono counties: $258,864 a year. Mono County Office of Education (MCOE) Superintendent Stacey Adler makes $181,407 and Inyo County Office of Education Superintendent Terry McAteer pulls down $204,256. These salary figures for 2014 are provided by transparentcalifornia.com.
Adler explained that there is no connection between Clark’s salary and the cut in hours. The funding for the library and Clark’s salary are two separate entities. “It’s apples and oranges,” Adler told The Sheet.
Mono County Library Director Ana Danielson said it would make no difference how much Clark makes; the moneys are not related and cannot be moved from one pot to another.
It is the Board of the ESUSD that determines the salary of its superintendent.
Adler said the MCOE will assist in the search for a superintendent for any school in its system, but it is up to the Board to hire a candidate, evaluate a superintendent’s performance, and set the salary. The MCOE has no say in what the Board pays its superintendent, Adler said.
ESUSD Board member John Peters said Clark’s salary is subjective, based on experience, education and the value of retaining the Superintendent.
“Heck no, he’s not making too much,” said Ann Aylesworth, ESUSD Board member, “It’s like saying teachers make too much.”
MCOE has no say in salaries. The only mandate for school districts is to prove in their budget a three-percent reserve in their current statements and for the next two years.
Clark’s salary has been a point of contention for years, but the perceived connection between his pay and library funding didn’t become a topic until the MCOE began discussing the library system budget and possible cuts. Peters said no one has approached the Board with concern. He added the Board welcomes comments and concerns and they will be addressed.
Aylesworth said the Board is open to comment and discussion. as long as it’s civil. “We’re not there to get picked off with a rifle,” she said.
The Bridgeport Library has sought funding from the private sector to cover its budget needs. ESUSD is hashing out the details of possibly helping with funding for the branch.
Peters and Adler said the District does “pretty well.” Aylesworth said Clark is “the best thing to happen to the district.”
Adler had no comment on Clark’s performance.
