As you know, Maria Goodloe Johnson was recently fired as the Seattle Public Schools Superintendent. She is not going to apologize for her actions and didn’t even make an attempt to keep her job. It turns out she was making approx. $264,000 per year and is entitled to an additional $264,000 after she was fired per her severance contract terms. Don Kennedy, the schools Chief Financial Officer, was also fired without cause. Mr. Don Kennedy was making approx. $174,000 per year and is entitled to $87,000 (half) after he was terminated.
After reading those facts several things come to my mind. First, lets talk about skills and education. There are many well educated school officials available all over the USA. We all know (if not – you should) that everyone is dispensable and a few job wanted ads in some of major publications will result in more qualified talent then we can handle. They will come from every state far and wide to work in the Seattle School District. No severance or contract would even be required. Maria Goodloe Johnson and Don Kennedy are not “that special” when it comes to their skills and education. I understand from a public relations aspect Seattle School Officials want the public to feel “confident” in their hiring decisions but their process and the “value” they place in these individuals is over rated.
From a money perspective, they obviously are being way over paid. At most, $120,000 should be the cap for upper management. Like most positions – there should be no severance terms. It’s not needed and wouldn’t hinder the resumes from pouring in.
