BY DANA DiFILIPPO
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Delaware educator Steven J. Adamowski will get a $40,000 raise when he comes to Cincinnati in August to head the 48,000-student district.
Steven Adamowski, left, accepts 'the torch' from retiring superintendent J. Michael Brandt at a picnic Friday.
(Malinda Rackley photo)
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School board members approved a three-year contract Friday with Mr. Adamowski, associate secretary of education for the Delaware Department of Education, as new CPS superintendent.
Mr. Adamowski will make $136,200 -- about $40,000 more than he got in Delaware and slightly higher than the $130,000 retiring superintendent J. Michael Brandt made. Mr. Adamowski is expected to start Aug. 10.
He'll also get performance-based salary increases of up to 10 percent each year, $20,000 in moving expenses, a district-owned car or $500 monthly car allowance, a $6,400 annual stipend for expenses and a $500,000 life-insurance policy.
His contract requires residency in the district. Mr. Brandt lives in Delhi Township.
School board President Arthur Hull told Mr. Adamowski Friday the board thinks he has the "grit" to lead the district.
"We are currently engaged in major reform efforts that, if adequately supported and funded, will be successful. What we need more of are believers, those with both the conviction and the will to be successful."
Mr. Adamowski pledged to continue reforms district leaders have already started, including Students First, the district's five-year strategic plan.
The new superintendent spent Friday meeting with district leaders and mingling with his new staff at an Olympic-themed employee picnic.
Before Mr. Adamowski's approval, several community groups lined up against him, including Parents for Public Schools, Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater Cincinnati and Urban League of Greater Cincinnati.
Critics complained he didn't have enough urban experience. Friday, Mr. Adamowski said many of those critics already have contacted him to express their concerns. "Everyone is committed to working together for the good of the district," he said.
