I got word last weekend that the decision would be announced soon, and it happened today;
Jane Stavem, currently the superintendent of Lake Washington School District in Redmond, Washington, was announced as the new superintendent during a press conference held by the Sioux Falls School Board Friday afternoon at the Instructional Planning Center.Â
Redmond is very close to Seattle and just a few miles from where I went to HighSchool in Lynwood. Microsoft’s headquarters is in Redmond. I am very familiar with the area. It’s a more affluent school district and less diverse than Sioux Falls.
“They (Stavem and Maher) have a lot of similarities. They’re both very strong in their communication and relationship building,” board vice president Carly Reiter said.
While I know very little about Stavem, I can tell you that while Maher started out strong with these characteristics he soon dug a hole and lacked transparency. From listening to the press conference, it sounds like she brings a lot of skills to the table including some political savvy. I look forward to finding out more about her.
I also think she will probably be one of the highest paid public education employees in the state, because I doubt she left her job for less pay. She will probably be making $300K plus in benefits and salary. (she made $295K last year in her current position).
It’s pretty sad that they were unable to find anyone within the state to hire for this position. Obviously, SFSB doesn’t like to hire from within.
Another out of state hire. Wonder why? I also wonder why she quit being a superintendent at her last employer having getting hired June of 2018. Sounds like someone who won’t be around long.
And the pay is getting ridiculous in this district. Elementary Principals at near 130K, Assistant Superintendents near 200K, Doug Morrison and his inflated salary. Something has to give.
There is such a huge percentage of salaries going to administration and it is becoming extremely top heavy in this district. Oh well, just pass some more property tax increases.
EAs (education assistants make around 13.50 an hour) for some comparison. Where are our priorities?
I wonder. In the 60’s and 70’s did the school superintendent make 10 times the median income of a SF school district parent?
So noone from the area or even at least the state applied? I can’t see things going well with an out of stater being in this important position.
“…. less diverse”…. 😉
“She comes from a ‘less diverse’ background?”….. “Then she’s going to love how Roosevelt and Memorial are set-up”….