Earlier this month, the board selected Cartwright to become the district's permanent superintendent, making her the to hold the top role. She鈥檚 been the interim leader of BCPS since August.
After negotiating with school board Chair Laurie Rich Levinson, Cartwright is slated to lead the state鈥檚 second largest district through Dec. 31, 2024, with the option to renew. Under the nearly three-year contract, Cartwright is slated to make $350,000 a year.
That鈥檚 significantly less than what Cartwright had wanted. During Tuesday鈥檚 meeting, she initially pushed for $365,000 a year over the course of a four-year contract.
During negotiations, Cartwright鈥檚 attorney Maree Sneed argued that a shorter contract could undermine her ability to make changes in the district.
鈥淲e still think that鈥檚 a little short and is going to be challenging in terms of bringing about change. So we know some people will say, well we鈥檒l have a new leader here. And that may be challenging,鈥� Sneed said. 鈥淏ut we will agree with that for the sake of compromise.鈥�
Cartwright鈥檚 proposed salary is within the range of the pay scales of other superintendents overseeing some of the state鈥檚 largest districts. But it鈥檚 less than what BCPS鈥� last leader made. Former Superintendent Robert Runcie was earning when he resigned after being charged with felony perjury.
In neighboring Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the state鈥檚 largest district, superintendent Jose Dotres is drawing a . Palm Beach County Superintendent Mike Burke, who was appointed in October, makes .
鈥淲hen I look in comparison, Miami-Dade is a much larger district than Broward County. And Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, other districts have much lower amounts. They鈥檙e closer to [$300,000 or $310,000],鈥� said Levinson. 鈥淒ue to the complexity of Broward County and the size, I think [$350,000] is very fair.鈥�
Another point of contention for Cartwright was the amount BCPS would pay in to her retirement. Under the agreement, the district will contribute 7% of her base salary to a tax sheltered annuity, higher than the 5% that Levinson initially proposed.
Other benefits include medical, vision and dental insurance and a car from the district鈥檚 fleet.
Under the contract, Cartwright will also receive performance evaluations by the school board every nine months during meetings that will be open to the public.
The board is slated to hold a special meeting Thursday to review and finalize Cartwright鈥檚 contract.
