THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT was discussed during the joint meeting of the Sierra County Board of Education and the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District Governing Board on April 4th in Downieville. Board President Kelly Champion stated to the large group in attendance that they had talked a lot about this item and realized they want to go in a different direction. Several audience members questioned the new direction. Superintendent James Berardi stated he was not willing to accept the contract the way it is and the item would die for lack of a motion and his intent was to become the teaching principal in Downieville and stay as the County Superintendent. One audience member asked if this was an operational issue or ideological issue. The audience voiced confusion and wanted a sense of what the issue was. They asked if this was Berardi’s decision or the Board’s decision and felt Berardi had done a phenomenal job. Berardi assured the audience that he loves Sierra County and isn’t leaving and is building a house here. Board member Annie Tipton felt it was a contractual issue and Berardi added there were some faith issues on both sides. He stated he wants this district to thrive and made a mistake taking on the job of trying to manage the principal spot in Downieville, adding he can’t do three jobs. He felt his resigning as District Superintendent would be better for the District and is a “win-win”. Berardi said he’ll be taking a $15,000 pay cut but felt it was best for his sanity. He will continue to be the District Superintendent until June 30th.
Champion stated they appreciate Berardi and all he has done. A lot of public comment was given on Berardi for principal at Downieville. Bill Copren stated when Berardi was initially the principal of Downieville School years ago, he was the best Copren ever worked with. He integrated the school into where we lived.
Melissa Kinnear appreciated everything Berardi has done. As a parent, she stated Downieville was in need of structure and leadership. She said Berardi represented them to the highest level, adding he’s a major foundation and they need him as principal.
Parent and former school board member Tom Mooers was excited to have Berardi as principal, stating he has a demonstrated commitment to this school and town.
Paul Guffin stated Berardi put children and teaching staff in safety during the pandemic. He wants that kind of person to be the principal at the school.
Another public comment stated it was their kids’ and communities’ gain by having Berardi step down as District Superintendent and be their principal. Tipton stated the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation for Downieville School summary stated the need to have leadership. She made the motion to hire Berardi as the teaching principal in Downieville which passed unanimously.
The Board accepted the resignation of Berardi as District Superintendent effective June 30th.
The Board authorized to fill the District Superintendent position 1.0 FTE
The Board approved hiring a search firm and have an adhoc committee to research. Board member Christina Potter and Champion will be on this committee.
Ed’s note:
The District pays the District Superintendent $134,170 including car allowance of $4,500 per year and excluding employer paid benefits.
It pays County Superintendent $25,000 excluding employer paid benefits.
The District stated it’s uncertain where James will start as administrator, but he may qualify to start at $120,883.
Champion stated they appreciate Berardi and all he has done. A lot of public comment was given on Berardi for principal at Downieville. Bill Copren stated when Berardi was initially the principal of Downieville School years ago, he was the best Copren ever worked with. He integrated the school into where we lived.
Melissa Kinnear appreciated everything Berardi has done. As a parent, she stated Downieville was in need of structure and leadership. She said Berardi represented them to the highest level, adding he’s a major foundation and they need him as principal.
Parent and former school board member Tom Mooers was excited to have Berardi as principal, stating he has a demonstrated commitment to this school and town.
Paul Guffin stated Berardi put children and teaching staff in safety during the pandemic. He wants that kind of person to be the principal at the school.
Another public comment stated it was their kids’ and communities’ gain by having Berardi step down as District Superintendent and be their principal. Tipton stated the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation for Downieville School summary stated the need to have leadership. She made the motion to hire Berardi as the teaching principal in Downieville which passed unanimously.
The Board accepted the resignation of Berardi as District Superintendent effective June 30th.
The Board authorized to fill the District Superintendent position 1.0 FTE
The Board approved hiring a search firm and have an adhoc committee to research. Board member Christina Potter and Champion will be on this committee.
Ed’s note:
The District pays the District Superintendent $134,170 including car allowance of $4,500 per year and excluding employer paid benefits.
It pays County Superintendent $25,000 excluding employer paid benefits.
The District stated it’s uncertain where James will start as administrator, but he may qualify to start at $120,883.
