St. Lucie Schools Super asks to rehire administrator
April 27th, 2009 by Cara FitzpatrickFORT PIERCE — Three weeks after the St. Lucie County School Board eliminated 331 positions as part of $30 million in budget cuts, Superintendent Michael Lannon is asking that it hire back a retired administrator with a six-figure salary.
Former Deputy Superintendent Sandra Wolfe, who retired in February, would return effective May 1, if the recommendation is approved.
“I find her to be an integral part, not only of the workforce of this district, but of the chemistry (of the staff,)” Lannon said of Wolfe.
School board members will vote on the issue at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the district offices.
School board members approved a proposal earlier this month to cut $30 million from the district’s $297 million operating budget for the 2009/10 academic year. About $14 million came from the elimination of 331 positions, including about 157 teachers and 12 administrative jobs.
No one from Lannon’s executive council — about a dozen people — was cut.
The district employs 4,751 employees.
Wolfe’s salary was about $131,058 in 2008/09; she earned less than that amount because of prolonged absences to be with a sick family member, according to district officials. If she returns, she will earn $124,805, said Susan Ranew, the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources. She also wouldn’t receive raises in subsequent years, Lannon said.
About 20 percent of Wolfe’s salary also will likely be paid for with federal stimulus money because she would be asked to oversee management of those dollars as part of her new job responsibilities, he said.
Tim Bargeron, the district’s chief financial officer, was interim deputy superintendent during Wolfe’s absence.
Lannon said he always planned to bring Wolfe back if she chose to return. She had to officially retire in February because she entered the state’s Deferred Retirement Option Plan five years ago, he said. The program allows employees to retire and then return to their jobs, earning both a salary and a pension.
Administrators cannot earn both their first year back like other state employees, he said.
Lannon defended his recommendation, noting that his administration is already one of the leanest in the state compared to other school districts. One top-level executive also was moved to a school last year to replace a principal and administrators didn’t receive bonuses like other employees, he said.
With cuts, he said, the load isn’t getting any lighter.
“There’s work that has to get done,” he said.
Tags: Fort Pierce, Schools, St. Lucie County, Superintendent Michael Lannon
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April 27th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Hmmmm! Sounds like Mr Lannon can’t do his job without this lady present! Is this hanky-panky, double-dipping, or incompetence?!
April 27th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
It’s called poor leadership! And he doesn’t seem phased at all about her double dipping. As long as she has done it legally he apparently doesn’t seem to care what it looks like to other people.
April 28th, 2009 at 9:05 am
agree with nativewooder 100%. hes an overpaid do nothing !!!
April 29th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Sandy Wolfe has been a valuable asset to this county. She makes sense, is approachable, and does her best to solve problems. That being said, we can’t afford her. The rules are the rules, the budget was adopted and employees who have DROPped are not to be hired back because they cost too much in benefits to the county. It is not just the $124K plus salary it is plus FICA,MED,taxes and insurance. She will cost much closer to $200. I would rather have part of my 1% back if Mr.Lannon is willing to negociate. 4751 people happier must be worth 1 more boss not hired, it is the way I do math.