JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The new Duval County Schools superintendent is asking for a $350,000 base salary, according to a draft contract submitted to the district by his attorney. The request comes amidst budget cuts, hundreds of layoffs in the district and talks of shuttering several DCPS schools.
Christopher Bernier was selected by the school board on May 23. He was previously the superintendent of Lee County Schools.
His attorney released a draft contract, which should kickstart negotiations between Bernier and the district to determine his salary and other benefits.
In addition to the base salary, the proposed contract includes $15,000 towards "transition expenses." Later in the document, he asks for $50,000 to "pay for a mentor."
He requests $1,000 a month for his personal vehicle and gas.
Bernier also requests "$3,000 annually to compensate (him) for the costs associated with the performance of his duties in the accomplishment of District business." It is not specified what these costs are.
He asks that the school board pay for memberships with the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, Florida Association of School Administrators, Council of Great City Schools, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and "such other professional or educational memberships" he deems necessary.
Meanwhile, DCPS announced in April that due to a budget short fall they would be eliminating 199 district-level positions and 507 school positions. They will also be increasing classes sizes. Interim Superintendent Dana Kriznar said the district is experiencing "extraordinary" financial challenges.
The DCPS board has been discussing other ways to make up costs. A consultant hired by the district recommended closing several schools, such as Atlantic Beach Elementary School.
The contract has not been finalized yet. A spokesperson told First Coast News the district will provide a counter-proposal through the Office of General Council. The contract has not been discussed in meetings yet.