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Murphy – The Cherokee County Board of Education members approved a contract extension for Dr. Jeana Conley after a lengthy closed session Thursday night.
Newly elected board member James “Jay Bird” Ellis made the motion to approve the superintendent’s contract extension, which was discussed during a portion of the closed session when Conley was asked to leave the room. The extension added a year to her contract, extending it until June 30, 2023.
Board Chairman Jeff Tatham said the extension was a token of their appreciation for all her hard work.
“It feels really great,” Conley said. “To have that vote of confidence, I really appreciate that. That means more than the contract itself.”
Conley was named interim superintendent on Dec. 4, 2014. On April 9, 2015, the board hired her as superintendent with a contract that began July 1, at the salary of $102,060, in accordance with the
state salary schedule. She started her career in Cherokee County Schools in 1990, and has served as a teacher and principal on both the elementary and high school levels.
Six years later, Conley continues to be paid the state-recommended salary of $122,484 annually, which includes an additional $3,036 for having a doctorate degree, which she earned after becoming superintendent. She does not have a local supplement in her contract.
Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Hass added that Conley is one the few, if not only, superintendents with more than 30 years of service who does not have a supplement in her contract. In fact, Conley has refused any supplements above the state salary assignment, as expressed in her contract.
Tatham said because they cannot offer Conley more financially, the board showed their appreciation with the extension. For comparison, Dr. Stephen Lane, the previous superintendent, was earning a salary of $147,600 annually in 2014.
The board concluded its meeting with an organizational meeting to elect new leadership. Arnold Mathews was elected chairman, Dr. Jeff Martin was elected vice chairman and Joe Wood was elected scribe.
The next meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Education is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Central Office, 911 Andrews Road.