Collier County School Board extends Superintendent Kamela Patton's contract following evaluation
Rachel FradetteThe Collier County School Board moved Tuesday to extend Superintendent Kamela Patton's contract by two years, through 2023, after reviewing her evaluation.
The board voted to approve the superintendent's evaluation, which delved into professional standards, performance outcomes and student achievement outcomes. All five board members rated Patton on the objective and goal criteria.
"This evaluation is a reflection on the whole district, not just Dr. Patton," Board Chair Roy Terry said at the board meeting.
Patton met her objectives for most of the goals, except in student achievement where she failed to meet eight, which were all tied to state test outcomes.
One objective was to increase the percentage of students in grades three through eight who score level three or higher in mathematics by 1%.
The board rated Patton highly and meeting her objectives in most parts of her evaluation.
Board member Stephanie Lucarelli, who said she's the most critical of Patton, wrote in her evaluation that Patton needs improvement with delegation.
"Due to the scale of this district, delegation of work is integral," Lucarelli wrote. "Leveraging the talent of senior staff is critical and something I would like to see Dr. Patton continue to focus on."
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Following the approval of her evaluation, Patton, 56, requested if the board would consider adjusting her contract.
The board's unanimous vote approved a two-year contract extension and four requests made by Patton at the board meeting, including eight more vacations days to total 30 days; moving up the cap of professional conferences she can attend from four to six; an increase in her car allowance by $150 to total $650 per month; and a continuation of her current benefits until she is Medicare eligible.
Patton's current salary is $245,671, up from her initial contract signing at $200,000. She receives a salary increase based upon teacher salary increases, which has yet to be determined for this year.
Some details in Patton's contract include:
- Patton receives a salary increase based upon teacher salary increases, which has yet to be determined for this year
- A cell phone stipend of $175 per month for purchase and service charges
- A stipend of $1,200 for membership in community organizations
More:Kamela Patton's 2011 contract
Terry suggested that the board extend Patton's contract by two years after General Counsel Jon Fishbane said the contract would expire in 2021.
Board member Erick Carter said other districts would be waiting to see what the board decides because of their interest in recruiting Patton.
The discussion on Patton's extension was met with no opposition.
Board member Jen Mitchell said the district's new high school, which is set to open in 2023, would be something the board would want Patton to see come to fruition.
Patton was hired as superintendent in June 2011. Before Collier, Patton worked in the Miami-Dade school district for 25 years.
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