The DeKalb County Board of Education Monday night during a special called meeting made a contract buyout offer to Director of Schools Mark Willoughby.
The vote was 6-1 in favor. Second District member Jerry Wayne Johnson voted against it.
(PLAY VIDEO OF ENTIRE SPECIAL MEETING BELOW)
Under terms of the proposal, the School Board has agreed to pay Mr. Willoughby his salary and all insurance benefits now in effect through June 30th. During the term of this agreement, no additional personal leave days shall accrue and salary and benefit payments shall not increase or decrease. Such salary and benefits shall be paid upon the regularly scheduled dates established by policy or practice for all currently employed licensed personnel.
Since Willoughby has already been paid for the month of April, the board believes it necessary for him to stay on as Director until an interim is named possibly by the next regularly scheduled meeting on April 16.
Director Willoughby has forty eight hours to notify the board whether he will accept the proposed settlement. He wants the terms in writing so he can have an attorney review them before he makes up his mind.
Willoughby, who last month announced his retirement date as June 30th, reminded the board that he had not sought any contract buyout. “I didn’t ask for a buyout but I’ll be professional if the board chooses to buyout the contract. If the board does not, I’ll be happy to stay until June 30 and do my job,” he said.
Board Chairman W.J. (Dub) Evins, III said it is his understanding after consulting a TSBA attorney that if Willoughby does not accept the proposal, the board has the option of giving him a fifteen day notice and paying him through June 30.
While the board would have to find the money to pay an interim until a new director is under contract, funds are already in the budget to pay Willoughby through June 30th.