The Russell County Board of Education voted to approve a new four-year contract for Superintendent Michael Ford at last night’s board meeting.
The new contract for Ford was approved by the board by a 3-2 vote.
Board Chair Dick Kazsuk made the motion to approve the new contract for Ford. It was seconded by vice chair Brenda Higginbotham. Kazsuk, Higginbotham, and board member Joy Wilson voted in favor of the contract. Board members Eric Selby and Gerald Murray voted against the new contract.
Kazsuk spoke to WJRS News following the meeting about the new contract and salary increase for Ford.
Selby commented during the vote that he didn’t oppose the length of the contract, but opposed the salary increase for Ford. The new contract increases Ford’s annual salary to $140,000.
For the current school year, Ford’s salary is $122,522. Among 171 school superintendents in Kentucky, Ford’s current salary is the 19th lowest and is lower than every other school district in the Lake Cumberland area.
Adair County’s superintendent salary is roughly $138,800. Casey County’s Superintendent salary is roughly $124,400 but a new contract was accepted by the board earlier this year with a salary increase. Clinton County’s Superintendent salary is $130,000 and Cumberland County’s is over $148,000.
Pulaski County has a superintendent salary of nearly $177,000 while Science Hill has a salary of about $180,000 and Somerset Independent has a salary of $198,000.
Previous Wayne County superintendent Don Neal had a salary of $130,000 this year before resigning last month.
Other area salaries include Campbellsville Independent Schools at $174,200; Taylor County at $198,400; McCreary County at nearly $147,000; Green County at nearly $141,000; Metcalfe County at nearly $127,000 and Monroe County at nearly $149,000.
Ford said he’s honored to receive another four-year contract and is looking forward to continue serving as superintendent of the school district.
Ford’s new contract begins on July 1 and will go through June 30, 2029. He is currently in his 12th year as Superintendent of Russell County Schools.
