TALLADEGA — A heated debate preceded and followed the adoption of Superintendent Douglas H. Campbell’s contract at the City Board of Education meeting Sept. 2.

Board Chairwoman Mary McGhee felt as if she was left in the dark about the authorization of Campbell’s contract, and that it was submitted to her incorrectly.

“Who authorized a local attorney to draft a contract?” McGhee asked the board. There was no response.

“I was not included,” said McGhee. “And just like before with the superintendent posted and declared salary, and I just feel like I was not included.”

According to Campbell’s contract, as superintendent he will be receiving $112,500 a year in addition to a salary supplement of $12,500 a year to work as superintendent in the Talladega City School system of 2,441 enrolled students.

The board will also be paying Campbell $2,500 each year for “general business expenses or expenditures related to employment of the Superintendent.”

In addition to receiving standard benefits given to other administrative employees like enrollment in the retirement program, leaves of absence, and illness benefits, he and the dependents in his family will be receiving medical insurance coverage.

Campbell will also receive 10 days of paid vacation every year, and will be entitled to five personal leave days a year.

The board will also be providing Campbell with a vehicle for transportation in order to help fulfill his duties as superintendent, and will pay for the vehicle’s liability insurance as well as any maintenance required on that vehicle.

McGhee accused the board of illegally authorizing the contract.

“It is timeout for trying to control this system,” said McGhee. “You all do things to cover up for others.”

Board member Shirley Simmons-Sims was not present at the meeting. Joe Hare, James Braswell, and Bonnie Miller were the only other board members present along with Campbell.

Hare said he resented the accusation that the contract had been submitted illegally, and believed it was done like every other vote, and McGhee failed to act.

“You opposed every superintendent we had,” said Hare.

This contract officially promoted Campbell from interim superintendent to a permanent position.

“You are keeping sorry people on the payroll,” said McGhee. “You all keep digging ditches. You ought to dig one for yourself, too.”

The contract passed 3-1, with Hare, Braswell, and Miller voting in favor of approving the contract, and McGhee voting not in favor.



Contact Aziza Jackson at ajackson@dailyhome.com