Spring Cove School Board hires temporary education director
District still seeking superintendent
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ROARING SPRING -- While the Spring Cove School District continues searching for a permanent superintendent, school board members voted 6 to 3 in separate votes to approve the creation of a temporary director of education position and approve former high school Principal Stephanie Thompson to fill the role.
Board President Amy Acker-Knisely, Vice President Gretchen Bettwy and members Misti Fisher, Andrea Moses, Troy Wright and Samantha Snowberger voted in favor of the position and Thompson's rehire.
Board members Alyssa McGregor, Kevin Smith and Erika Smith voted in opposition of the position and Thompson's rehire.
Because Thompson's retirement was previously approved by the board, they voted at Monday's meeting to retroactively revise her retirement date from Aug. 3 to Oct. 31.
The district will pay Thompson a per diem rate for continued employment, and she will report directly to acting Superintendent Steven Foor, who is also the district's business manager.
"The temporary appointment of the Director of Education will help maintain the high quality of educational programs and services needed as we prepare for the upcoming school year, while providing stability and community for students and staff, during our ongoing Superintendent search and transition," according to Foor's statement.
After the meeting, Acker-Knisely said the district isn't currently paying for a superintendent, and the administration needs more assistance as the beginning of the school year approaches.
According to an agenda dated from June 22, Foor is compensated at a weekly rate of $450 for three days of superintendent service per week. His annual salary as business manager is $116,000.
"We really need the support for back to school," Acker-Knisely said.
McGregor said the new position will cost more money that the district doesn't have right now.
It's not a needed position because the district will eventually have a permanent superintendent, she said.
The school board is still searching for a superintendent, Acker-Knisely said.
Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.