Earlier this month, Dr. Lori Romano Superintendent of Schools submitted an application to Osceola County for their Superintendent position. The Osceola position offered at least a $65,000 raise in pay over her current $120,000 salary. The salary pay range in Osceola is $185,000 to $225,000.
Currently, board members are amidst contract negotiations with Dr. Romano, whose contract is up for renewal in July 2016. Dr. Romano’s base salary is $120,000 with an upper limit of $130,000. Some on the board we suggesting that they would need to raise her salary significantly to keep her.
This request for a salary increase is seen by some as tone deaf since they are furloughing teachers and just had a special election where they claimed that they were were in dire straits financially. They will receive around $80 million in sales tax over the next 10 years, because of this special election. In addition to that there have been possible cuts mentioned to music programs and other extra curricular activities.
Frustrated parents have been rallying to not renew her contract through the organization of social media sites. Issues with testing, curriculum, and finances are major factors in escalating tensions.
Board members would like to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of Dr. Romano’s performance before making any major decisions. It appears that Dr. Romano is playing hard ball, despite the District’s financial woes.
The school board seems to be discussing counter offering on a position that she has only applied for. She has not been chosen for the position or even made it into the final few. There are currently 37 applicants for the position in Osceola.