Last night on partner site White Center Now, we reported that Highline Public Schools had offered its superintendent job to Dr. Susan Enfield, who’s been serving as interim Seattle superintendent but didn’t want the permanent job. This morning, Dr. Enfield announced she’s taking the job in Highline – the district that includes White Center and Burien – pending contract finalization. Details from our partners at the Seattle Times.
If you read the wonderful Seattle Schools Community Forum site http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com you know the potential reasons were many. But one moment was indeed telling (and they mentioned it too; we saw this while watching a live board meeting on TV) – when the School Board recently debated a rule that basically was supposed to keep board members out of what some considered more the superintendent’s business, she said tartly, in the public meeting, that it was “sorely needed” – TR
I am wondering what staff she’s taking with her – Aurora Lora perhaps?
Interesting question. Lora’s counterpart in Highline – the executive director for schools in White Center and the rest of the northern part of the district – is John Boyd, former Chief Sealth principal.
Money isn’t everything, but the data on previous superintendent pay from the Tacoma News Tribune suggests Dr. Enfield is taking a serious paycut to work for Highline. Her predecessor in Seattle–Goodloe–earned $265k annually, and her predecessor in Highline–Walsh–earned $195k annually. If these figures are consistent with her present pay and what she will get in Highline, she is taking a $70k cut to work for Highline, not to mention the lack of prestige working for a smaller district.
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Data: http://wwwb.thenewstribune.com/databases/school_pay/index.php?names=&schools=&districts=Seattle&sort=&job_title=Superintendent
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http://wwwb.thenewstribune.com/databases/school_pay/index.php?names=&schools=&districts=Highline&sort=&job_title=Superintendent
As a Highline teacher, I’m excited to hear about Enfield’s vision and plan for Highline!
At that level a $70K paycut isn’t exactly going to cramp your lifestyle — especially if you compare the potential longevity and ability to accomplish real change over a period of 5-10 years. I don’t think any Seattle schools chief has that big a window, and Enfield is probably in a better position than anyone to handicap that odds on long-term occupancy of the Seattle position.
Enfield knows what everyone else knows: the job of Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools is a career ender. When the choice is between a $70K pay cut or having your personal and professional reputation continuously assaulted by everyone from teacher to parent to the Seattle Times, that’s any easy decision to make.
This is the final straw– now I’m seriously considering moving to the Highline district….
Based on my many years of background with SPS business, including a lot of insider information, I have concerns that Enfield will simply overlay her hapless, cheery, lack of focus leadership – and expect her employers, the Board, to sit back and like it. Peter, she’s done her share of disparaging citizens and staff, but with a smile.
Glad she’s leaving. Take the bad with her.
Bridge-
Actually, the Interim salary for S Enfield was $225,000 (see the SPS School Board meeting archives for March 2nd, 2011). MGJ started at $240,000 and then got a bump up during her annual review.
My guess would be that Highline would be offering more than last year’s contract, not too much difference overall.
Highline’s gain and certainly Seattle’s loss. Good for Highline! Wishing the best for Dr. Enfield, may she go far.
I am thrilled that Dr. Enfield is moving to Highline SD. Highline SD has some great programs and has so much potential. She might have the right administrative mix to make some great things happen.
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