Little Change in Brooks’ New APS Contract

The Albuquerque school board voted last month to extend the contract of Superintendent Winston Brooks through June 2016, and change the timing of his annual evalution from January to November.

But most of his contract remained the same.

Here are some highlights of the school board’s agreement with Brooks. These provisions are unchanged from last year:

⋄  Brooks receives $250,000 in annual base pay. If teachers receive a cost-of-living raise, Brooks is entitled to an increase of the same percentage.

⋄  He receives $500 per month for “dues and expenses related to participation in community organizations.”

⋄  The district pays Brooks’ membership dues for organizations including the American Association of School Administrators and the Council of the Great City Schools. It also pays for his travel, lodging and food when he goes to job-related conferences and seminars.

⋄  The district provides Brooks with a take-home car, the cost of independent review of his contract and “communication and technology equipment” needed to do his job.

⋄  Brooks receives 22 paid vacation days per year. Unused days can be banked, up to 66 days. Brooks also receives eight paid days off annually for educational consulting. Brooks is a consulting superintendent for the Education Research and Development Institute, which means he advises companies that make educational products for sale to districts.

⋄  Brooks receives 12.6 sick days per year, which can be accumulated up to 260 days. However, the contract specifies the days can be used only for “legitimate” sick leave.

⋄  Brooks is entitled to the same insurance plan that is available to other employees. The district also reimburses him for the premium cost of a life-term insurance policy with a face amount of $400,000.

⋄  The district pays $51,500 per year toward Brooks’ retirement, which is used to buy him “years” in the state Educational Retirement Board plan. Previously, Brooks was paid a smaller amount that increased annually, instead of a flat rate. The $51,500 rate began last year and is set to continue through 2018 if Brooks remains with the district.
— This article appeared on page C2 of the Albuquerque Journal