Alabama board of education to vote on $90,000 raise for state superintendent Mackey.

1. NoThe Alabama State Board of Education is scheduled to vote in April on a proposal to extend State Superintendent Eric Mackey’s contract through 2029 and increase his salary by $90,000, bringing his annual compensation to $380,000. This proposed raise represents a 30% increase from his current salary of $292,500.

Rationale for the Raise

Attorney Mark Boardman, representing Mackey, emphasized that the superintendent’s salary should align with his extensive responsibilities. Mackey oversees the education of over 750,000 students and manages a workforce exceeding 100,000 employees. Boardman noted that aligning Mackey’s salary with those of local superintendents and higher education leaders is a positive development.

Board Members’ Perspectives

The proposal has elicited mixed reactions from board members. Vice President Tonya Chestnut described the proposed contract as largely mirroring Mackey’s current agreement, with changes primarily concerning salary and contract duration. However, Board member Wayne Reynolds called for a delay in the vote, stating that the board has not had an open discussion about the proposal and that such a significant decision warrants thorough deliberation.

Board member Yvette Richardson acknowledged the need for a salary adjustment, pointing out that some local superintendents earn more than Mackey despite his broader oversight responsibilities. Newly elected members Kelly Mooney and Allen Long also expressed the need for additional time to review the contract details before making a decision.

Context of the Raise

If approved, Mackey’s new salary would position him as the highest-paid K-12 public education official in Alabama, surpassing several local superintendents who currently earn more. This adjustment aims to reflect the scale of his duties and the scope of the state education system under his leadership.

Recent Developments in Alabama Education

Beyond salary discussions, Mackey has been actively involved in addressing challenges within the state’s education system. The Alabama State Board of Education recently approved state intervention in Dallas County Schools due to significant financial and academic struggles. The district faced issues with procurement processes concerning federal funds, leading to a $12.2 million liability. Mackey emphasized that while there was no indication of theft, proper procurement procedures were not followed, necessitating state intervention.

Additionally, Mackey has reassured the Board of Education amid concerns over federal funding cuts. Despite brief disruptions in accessing federal funds, he expressed confidence that core educational programs would remain unaffected, although some procedural adjustments might be necessary.

Conclusion

The proposed salary increase for State Superintendent Eric Mackey has sparked a range of reactions from board members, reflecting diverse perspectives on fiscal responsibility and the valuation of educational leadership. As the board approaches the April vote, it faces the challenge of balancing the need to attract and retain competent leadership with the imperative to manage public funds prudently. This decision occurs within a broader context of addressing systemic challenges in Alabama’s education system, underscoring the complexities involved in educational governance and fiscal stewardship.