School Board Approves Contract With Interim Superintendent Keith Leonard

June 22, 2023

The Escambia County School Board has unanimously approved a contract with interim Superintendent Keith Leonard.

Leonard took over June 1 after the board voted 3-2 in May to terminate former Superintendent Tim Smith. Leonard, previously the assistant superintendent of human resources, was the runner-up in the selection process with Smith was hired in 2020.

In the contract, he will be paid $160,000 per year plus $500 per month for automobile expenses and $200 a month for business expenses. He can also receive $3,000 to $7,500 in incentives based upon his performance evaluation.

The contract ends June 30, 2024, at which time the board can extend or modify the agreement if a permanent superintendent has not been found.

Like Smith, Leonard can be terminated by the board without cause. He can resign with a 90 day notice.

NorthEscambia.com image, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “School Board Approves Contract With Interim Superintendent Keith Leonard”

  1. Aaron on June 22nd, 2023 5:04 pm

    I hope this is the peace and leadership that has been missing since Malcolm Thomas.

  2. Bonnie Exner on June 22nd, 2023 12:43 pm

    Keith Leonard is a very compassionate educator who comes from two parents and a sister who have dedicated their lives to serving all in the public schools in
    Escambia County. He has positively touched the lives of thousands of students as well as many adults who have had the pleasure of working with him. With God’s guidance, Keith will continue to positively influence all he encounters. A note of caution must be made here though…the influence of the political powers in the “downtown power brokers” is far reaching and needs to be curtailed.

  3. Charlie on June 22nd, 2023 8:18 am

    Coach Leonard has made a profound impact on my life. I appreciate the time and energy he put into us at Tate High School. My family personally experienced two great principals resigning due to our former superintendents’ policies, and I am grateful to see Coach Leonard step into this role.