Breaking a Contract Nothing New for Peekskill’s Willis
It appears opting out of contracts in school districts has become a pattern for departing Peekskill Superintendent of Schools James Willis.Willis, who announced last month he was exiting Peekskill in July halfway through a four-year contract, made a similar move in his prior job in the Utica School District. In Utica, Willis was given a three-year deal when he was hired in 2009, but he left after serving only two-and-a-half years to join Peekskill.
In Utica, Willis was paid a base salary of $156,818, plus $43,338 in benefits. In Peekskill, Willis earned an annual salary of $242,511, plus $72,000 in benefits. Utica has more than three times as many students as Peekskill, which has about 3,000.
Last week, the Peekskill Board of Education posted a statement on the district’s website to “set the record straight and clarify any misinformation circulating regarding the separation settlement agreement between the Board and Superintendent of Schools James Willis.”
Under the terms of the separation agreement, which was reached after “irreconcilable differences between both parties,” Willis will receive six months pay, plus health benefits “as long as he remains retired and unemployed. Mr. Willis will not be entitled to any other monies or benefits.”
According to a source, the agreement could net Willis as much as $385,000. Two board members voted against the settlement. Willis is set to retire on July 13.
“Our top priority is ensuring that we continue to provide the best academic instruction and support for our children as we are committed to their ongoing success,” the board stated. “In the meantime, the Board of Education has had ongoing meetings in an effort to explore and research all options pertaining to an interim as well as a permanent superintendent for our district.”
Resident and community access cable host George Ondek called on the Board of Education to resign after criticizing the separation agreement which he called “outrageous” and unfair for taxpayers to foot the bill for someone who quit his job.
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