GREEN BAY WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Green Bay Area Public School District is eliminating and creating positions within its headquarters.
“If we’re in a time of declining enrollment, we have to make sure we are having a net reduction in central administration,” said Andrew Becker, a member of Green Bay’s school board.
Three executive director positions, all with six-figure salaries, are being eliminated from Green Bay’s downtown administration building. However, two director positions are being added with focuses on diversity, inclusion, and teacher recruitment.
There are currently four layers of administration between the superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District and its school principals. One of those layers is being eliminated as the district continues to deal with declining enrollment and a budget deficit.
“With all the layers that have been between teachers and principals and the superintendent, it’s just not efficient,” said Becker.
The district is eliminating the executive directors of teaching and learning, school leadership, and student services. According to online records, all had salaries of $135,930 for the ’22-’23 school year.
However, the school board recently approved adding director positions for engagement and inclusion and recruitment and talent development.
“Speaking frankly, the well is kind of dry in this collective space nationally,” said Mike Friis, the Executive Director of Human Resources. “The number of graduates with education certifications is very, very thin.”
An online posting for the teacher recruitment position says it will pay between $123,000 and $143,000 per year. The description states “the district is committed to the goal of working toward employment and development of a staff that is representative of the diversity in the Green Bay area community and student body.”
You might remember, former district superintendent Claude Tiller was in Atlanta in February trying to recruit minority teachers when he made comments on a radio show that ultimately led to him being put on paid leave and his resignation.
“I think the district is committed to competing and looking for the best quality teachers and where they are,” said James Lyerly, the vice president of Green Bay’s school board. “That was part of the recruitment effort in the Atlanta area. I do not think the district is going to back off that strategy.”
One thing that should help, the school board also recently approved a 4.12% pay bump for next school year. Starting teacher base salaries are expected to be above $50,000 for the first time, according to Becker.
The district has hired an interim Director of Engagement Inclusion, but plans to post the position and hire someone for the start of July.
As for the open superintendent position, the school board is expected to start a search later this year.
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