Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent Shane McCord has earned his bonus in the eyes of the district’s governing board.
As a result, McCord will get an additional 5% on top of his base salary of $240,000, a gain of $12,000.
The Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board on June 10 voted unanimously to award McCord his performance pay for the 2024-25 fiscal year, recognizing his leadership in achieving the district’s academic and operational goals.
Multiple board members commended McCord for his role in advancing district priorities.
“I feel like we've really put a lot into increasing our academics and really looking at the data to help our students do better,” Board Member Jill Humpherys said. “And obviously we're coming up with some really innovative programs to challenge students and give parents choice.
“I know that it's a team effort and there are a lot of people working on it, but Dr. McCord is the leader of that team, and I appreciate all that he's done.”
Board Clerk Blake Robison highlighted progress made under McCord’s leadership in recent years.
“Looking particularly in the past year, but even back several years as where we were as a district and where we are now, we've made great strides in all areas,” he said.
Board President Chad Thompson said McCord has “set the standard” for a superintendent.
“You're so good and we're truly fortunate to have you steering the ship,” he said. “So thank you. And this is a well-deserved performance pay.”
McCord, who has led the district since returning from Mesa Public Schools in 2017, expressed appreciation for the board’s support.
“I think you've earned yourself another year,” Thompson joked before the vote.
McCord previously announced he will retire after the coming school year.
New Board Member Shana Murray also voiced support.
“It feels like a team right away, and I think that's one of the most important things,” she said.
The performance pay is part of McCord’s contract and is based on his ability to meet goals set by the board in areas such as student achievement, staff development and operational efficiency.
We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Tom Blodgett can be reached by email at tblodgett@iniusa.org or follow him @sp_blodgett on X.
Tom Blodgett
Senior News Editor | Gilbert
tblodgett@iniusa.org
Meet Tom
Tom Blodgett joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2022, when the company acquired Community Impact Newspaper's Phoenix-area properties. Raised in Arizona, he has spent more than 35 years in journalism in the state.
Community: He has served as an instructional professional in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication since 2005, and is editorial adviser to The State Press, the university's independent student media outlet. He also is director of operations for an 18U girls fastpitch softball team from Gilbert.
Education: Arizona State University with a BS in Journalism.
Random Fact: He lived in Belgium during his freshman year of high school.
Hobbies: Tweeting enthusiastically about ASU softball (season-ticket holder) and grumpily about other local sports (pessimistic fan).
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