School Board Superintendent Contract Extension

It wasn't smooth sailing, but Monroe City Schools Superintendent Brent Vidrine will hold onto his position for another two years as a majority of board members voted to extend his contract until June 2025. The Tuesday night, March 21, 2023 vote to extend Vidrine's contract was met by one "no" vote and a vote to abstain. Before the matter came for discussion, there seemed to be no rush to make a motion to move the matter along. Board President Bill Willson asked for a motion which was done by Jennifer Haneline, followed by what seemed to be a long pause because board member Brandon Johnson gave a second to the motion. Mr. Vidrine's new salary is substantial, as it will be just shy of $200,000 at $199,870.20. Many will say that is more than the mayor's salary, and he is the chief executive in a city of over 47,000 people, while Mr. Vidrine is over a student population that has dwindled over the years. The contract extension will give Vidrine benefits that most employees will never get, one being a $700.00 allowance for the use of his private vehicle. The board will not provide a vehicle for the Superintendent, but the $700.00 is thought to be adequate to cover any expenses that he may incur. Just before the vote was called, board members asked Vidrine questions about plans for African-Americans students' test-taking and skills in order to improve test-taking skills, as board member Brandon Johnson reminded him that his district is predominately African-American kids. Vidrine replied that those things are already in place. Board member Betty Ward-Cooper asked a question from a concerned constituent that Black board members should be "extremely concerned" over reports published in October 2022 from BESE, which show Black students in every school except J.S. Clark performed below average in math, science, and social studies. Cooper continued saying that White students showed improvement while Black students declined. "We get new buildings and plenty of symbolism from the superintendent, but it's been over a decade on his watch, and the system overall looks well, but the academic performance of Black students is getting progressively worse. He has not had a plan to address the 'Black brain drain' of the last decade. If the superintendent has no plan, why should he be given a new contract?" Cooper said.

Vidrine said the system is doing the things raised in his question, as he ran off a litany of what he called improvements to address student performance. Monroe Federation of Teachers Union President Sandie Lollie was the last person to speak before votes were cast. Lollie said that Dr. Vidrine has mentioned how dedicated parents and cafeteria workers give and give but feel underappreciated. Lollie said that Vidrine's contract "is a lot of money", but what about the custodians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers, who do not earn enough. She said that even the clerks at the central office are "so underpaid". Lollie pointed out there used to be a component where there was "an appreciation day" where employees knew that they were appreciated. She said that at some point in time, Dr. Vidrine and board members could initiate a contract where our employees will see a substantial increase in pay that won't be absorbed in insurance and other taxes. Most cafeteria workers, Lollie said, should be paid a minimum of 14-$15 an hour and challenged, "I would like to see the Superintendent do something to let our employees know, come rain or shine, hell or high water, that they are appreciated and that they only deserve the best."