School Board Extends Purser's Contract

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Board of Education has given Superintendent Susan Purser a one-year contract extension that will keep her with the Moore County school system through the 2013-2014 year.

The board unanimously approved the extension after completing its annual evaluation of Purser Monday night.

"The progress that the Moore County Schools has made under Dr. Susan Purser's leadership the past six years is commendable," Board Chairman Dale Frye said in a statement. "She has provided a vision for 21st century learning that has energized our teachers and administrators. As a result, our students are more engaged. Our staffs have a clear direction, and our school district is moving forward in a cohesive and collaborative manner."

Purser said Thursday that she was both "honored" and "grateful" to continue her work with Moore County. She elected to forgo a $2,500 pay raise that she was scheduled to receive in her contract.

"I work elbow-to-elbow with the people in our organization," she said Thursday, "and if they're not receiving any additional benefits or salary increases, I don't want to take one either. Everybody is working hard, and therefore I feel very strongly that, even though my contract calls for it, I'm no better than the rest of the folks."

Purser will make $152,000 next year, according to her contract.

Purser has been with the school system since 2004, when she was hired to replace Patrick Russo.

Contact John Krahnert III by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.

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JoeGarrison 2 years, 11 months ago

I'm sure that Mrs. Purser cares about the teachers and other staff who could be hurt by the cuts. She can ease it on the county level by urging more cuts in the central office, her staff, and other perks she receives. a lot of teacher's jobs could be saved if the money we pay for our education syestem, went to teachers and students rather than the front office.

SANDHILLSK9 2 years, 11 months ago

HOW COME SHE GETS A RAISE ... WHILE THE REST OF THE COUNTY GETS NOTHING THE 2th YEAR IN THE ROW??????

member 2 years, 11 months ago

@ SandhillsK9-I think if you read the article again, you will see that she declined the raise her contract called for.

@ JoeGarrison-She has left quite a few positions vacant or has eliminated them altogether. Of course there are more cost-saving measures to be taken, but she seems to be making a very good effort so far! It could be a lot worse.

teufelhunden 2 years, 11 months ago

That's jacked up.

None 2 years, 11 months ago

If I were earning her salary with all of the perks, $2,500. would be pocket change. Don't forget about her assistants, and the principles who break the 100G range....Pinecrest alone exhausts 500 thousand with salaries and benefits just for 5 principle positions!! Go figure.