Interim CCSD chief Skorkowsky scores $65,000 raise

By Paul Takahashi

Published Thursday, April 11, 2013 | 7:27 p.m.

Updated Friday, April 12, 2013 | 10:57 a.m.

Interim Clark County Schools Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky is getting a 45 percent raise to lead the nation's fifth-largest school district.

The Clark County School Board unanimously approved Interim Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky's $212,000 contract on Thursday.

Skorkowsky — who has 25 years of experience in the district — will be paid a base annual salary of $186,000. In addition, Skorkowsky will be given a 5 percent longevity pay and a $17,000 bonus, which will be paid out at the end of his term.

Skorkowky's total compensation package will be about $212,300.

As deputy superintendent, Skorkowsky was paid an annual salary of $146,794. Skorkowsky is getting a $65,000 — or 45 percent — raise as interim superintendent.

For comparison, former superintendent Dwight Jones was paid a base annual salary of $270,000. With benefits, Jones' total compensation was closer to $396,000 per year, according to TransparentNevada.com.

The School District took special care to ensure that Skorkowsky's job will be safe if the School Board chose not to hire him as permanent superintendent.

In his contract released Friday morning, Skorkowsky may keep his prior compensation package of $147,000 should he be returned to his deputy superintendent position or another position in the district. The contract for Skorkowsky's next job, whatever it may be, will last until July 31, 2016.

Skorkowsky will be given administrator-level benefits, including long-term disability insurance, medical, dental, vision and a $150,000 term life insurance policy. He will also receive a $700-per-month stipend for maintaining his private vehicle. Since he is expected to be visible in the community, Skorkowsky is entitled to be reimbursed for professional expenses — up to $600 per month.

The School Board voted 6-0 to approve Skorkowsky's contract after about a 15-minute closed discussion on Thursday. School Board member Linda Young was absent.

School Board member Erin Cranor expressed concerns last month when the board had a spirited discussion over Skorkowsky's compensation. Cranor was hesitant on the pay raise in light of teacher pay cuts earlier this year as a result of an arbitration decision.

A $72,000 raise would equate to one teaching position, she argued at the time. Ultimately, Cranor approved Skorkowsky's contract on Thursday via a voice vote over the phone.

The School Board is expected to decide whether to pursue a national search for a permanent superintendent on May 20. Jones resigned last month, citing personal reasons.