To the Editor,
Re: Hutchinson resigns as superintendent, Jan. 8.
I’m not in the least bit surprised that superintendent Dave Hutchinson is no longer with Nanaimo school district. What did surprise me was the assertion made by chairman Steve Rae that the superintendent left to move on to other opportunities.
I am not questioning the board’s right not to continue with the superintendent’s contract and they will have a lot of support for such a move, especially with the unions, but in doing so a great deal of money must exchange hands. Does the taxpaying public not have a right to know what that cost is?
The former superintendent was in the first year of a renewed contract that states he could be terminated without cause and paid out 18 months’ salary. This is very standard contract language for executive staff. So, since the superintendent earned approximately $160,000 per year plus benefits, he could receive $240,000 for the remainder of his contract.
The board should remember their election platforms of accountability and putting the trust back into trustee. It starts with full and accurate information given to the public who elected them. Doesn’t it?
TerryLynn SaundersNanaimo
