PHOTO PROVIDED Dr. Christopher S. Bernier

On April 8, the School Board of Lee County approved a separation agreement for Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier, which went into effect on April 9, and keeps him on the payroll for 20 weeks.

“This came about very quickly, obviously, and it was unexpected,” Board Chair Sam Fisher said.

Board Member Debbie Jordan said they had two days to try to comprehend everything that had taken place in the settlement.

“As stewards of the district and the money, I want to make sure we are doing the right thing,” she said. “I know we cannot explain what has transpired and I do appreciate all the work Dr. B has done here at the district.”

The board stated that it was not a termination of Bernier, but rather just a separation agreement.

PHOTO PROVIDED Dr. Kenneth Savage

According to the agreement, “Bernier will remain on payroll for 20 weeks subsequent to April 9, 2024” and will “receive salary at his current rate of pay, which is $275,400 during the entirety of the 20-week period.”

The agreement also includes a 20% contribution to his Retirement Investment Account, as well as contributions for health and other insurance products. During the 20-week period, Bernier will serve as an advisor for the interim superintendent.

“If Bernier secures other employment as superintendent or position at a cabinet-level within the 20-weeks outlined herein, all obligations under this agreement shall cease immediately, including salary pay, payment of health insurance and retirement contribution. Within 24-hours of hire, Bernier shall notify the chair of the school board of such employment,” the agreement states.

Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Ken Savage, who was the interim superintendent prior to Bernier being hired, was again selected as the interim superintendent by the school board during the special meeting on April 8. The nominations for the appointment were him and Chief of Staff Michael Ramirez.

Both men received high remarks from the school board, but with Savage sitting as a previous interim superintendent, five of the seven board members voted to proceed with an agreement with Savage, which was approved on April 9.

“He was the interim superintendent during very troubled times,” Board Member Armor Persons. “The superintendent is supposed to carry out the direction of the board and the board at that time was split very evenly. I thought he did a good job following the board and the law at the time. He has experience as doing the superintendent.”

Jordan, when pushed to vote yes or no, voted yes after saying that she would go with the majority. Board Members Cathleen Morgan and Chris Patricca voted no for Savage to take the helm once again.

The board also approved that Fisher work with Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy Bruno to negotiate the contract for Savage. The board also tentatively set the salary at $210,700, as the second highest paid individual in the district makes $210,600.