NEWS

Barber receives contract extension

Marion Star staff report

MARION – The Marion City Schools Board of Education granted a five-year contract extension to Superintendent Gary Barber at Monday's board meeting. The extension, from Aug. 1, 2016, to July 31, 2021, is the longest the board can extend under state law.

The board hired Barber in 2013 to succeed James Barney. Barber's current contract expires on July 31, 2016, according to a news release.

"Gary has made significant strides in inspiring a community of achievement," board president Steve Williams said. "We certainly want to not only tell Gary that we believe in what he's doing, but tell the public that the direction he's going in is the right direction."

"In his brief tenure, Gary Barber has created a vision for our district that brings together families, community and educators in a common goal," board vice president Ted McKinniss said.

"A long-term contract is warranted in order to ensure our district has the kind of stability it needs to keep our new initiatives moving forward over the years to come."

Accomplishments under Barber's leadership include returning Reading Recovery, a one-on-one mentoring program focused on struggling first graders, to the district. Barber and his administrative team are also preparing to expand the character building program Leader in Me throughout the district.

Current initiatives include partnering with Tri-Rivers Career Center and the business community to form pathways that better prepare students for post-secondary learning or careers. The goal is to make sure more students graduate high school with either skills they need to go to college or a certification that prepares them for the workforce.

"Gary has done an outstanding job in making reading a top priority in our elementary schools, which provides our students with the foundation they will need to be successful learners," McKinniss said.

"At the middle and high school levels he has brought together business leaders and local educational institutions as partners ensuring that our graduates are college and/or career ready. He has pushed our district to the forefront as one of the leaders in Ohio as the state makes career readiness a priority."

Williams spoke favorably of Barber's allocation of funds to maintain buildings and grounds and his willingness to collaborate with community leaders and agencies.

"He has shown true commitment to the district in making the move to Marion and becoming involved in the community through a number of boards and organizations," Williams said. "He believes in the community and he really wants to make an impact with our kids."

Barber's salary will be $149,000 during the 2016-17 school year. McKinniss said the board studied many superintendent contracts in central Ohio and in similar districts, and looked into the future to determine what the district needs to attract and retain top talent.

His salary was $133,547 as of Aug. 1, 2014.

Although it is an increase over his current salary, McKinniss said that it's more in line with Barber's experience and prior performance over the past two years and is commensurate with other districts with which Marion City Schools competes for top talent. He said Barber has demonstrated his commitment to the district and community by moving here.

"I am grateful for the board's confidence to allow me to lead the district over the next six years," Barber said. "I am excited about our path in improving literacy, student leadership and creating broad career and college pathways that provide opportunities for our students and our community."