Superintendent salary starts at $185K

The new superintendent of Pittsylvania County Schools will start with a salary of $185,000 a year, will be furnished a vehicle and the school board will pay for his family's health insurance under a contract signed April 8.

Steven Mayhew, currently the assistant superintendent for administration, will take over as leader of the division on July 1. The board approved Mayhew's appointment on April 8.

He's taking over for Mark Jones, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

The contract — obtained by the Danville Register & Bee — is for four years ending on June 30, 2029.

Mayhew will receive an annual salary of $185,000 that will increase by $10,000 when he completes his doctorate degree, which is anticipated to happen in 2026. The contract also states after that increase, he will receive another $10,000 increase the following year after the degree is conferred.

He will also receive the same percentage increases as instructional staff.

"The salary increase for the Superintendent in any year shall equal no more than the average percentage increase approved by the Board for the instructional personnel for the corresponding fiscal year," the contract states.

However, the board may not reduce the superintendent's base salary below the annual salary of the preceding fiscal year unless the board and Mayhew agree in writing.

The contract calls for the board to provide a vehicle for Mayhew "for use in connection with official duties." The board also will pay for fuel, maintenance and insurance associated with the vehicle.

Mayhew will also receive a cellphone with the school system footing the bill for the monthly charges.

The school board will pay the premium costs for insurance for the superintendent, his spouse and qualifying dependents with full coverage for health care, dental, and hospitalization, in addition to the premiums for group term life insurance.

Starting July 1 — and each fiscal year thereafter — the Pittsylvania County School Board will make a contribution of $15,000 for an annuity or deferred compensation plan with all principal, interest and dividends accruing becoming property of the superintendent. Mayhew may draw this amount on the first day of July during each fiscal year to invest in a selected plan.

Each year, Mayhew will receive 24 days of annual leave and 12 days of sick time. Unused sick time "may be accumulated and carried forward" for up to 120 days.

At the end of each fiscal year, the "board shall contribute to the deferred compensation plan" an amount that's figured by multiplying the number of unused annual leave days — not exceeding 10 — and sick time accrued by the prorated daily rate.

"Only sick and annual leave days earned and unused during service in this division are eligible for payment into an annuity."

Within three months of the agreement, Mayhew and the board will "mutually develop an instrument in accordance with Virginia law and regulations that will be used by the Board to evaluate" the superintendent each year.

If Mayhew wants to resign, he needs to give the board 90 days notice in writing. However, the board could waive that requirement.

"The Superintendent's right to earn or receive payment for salary and benefits such as annual and sick leave provisions shall cease as of the effective date of such resignation," the contract states.

If the superintendent is removed "for cause," then all salary benefits will end on the termination date.

The board also may remove the superintendent without cause upon written notice. If that happens, the termination of employment will be effective upon delivery. In that case, the superintendent will be entitled to severance of the lesser amount of 12 months' salary or all salary that would have been due under the agreement.

The contract was reviewed by Amanda Morgan of Gentry Locke, on behalf of the board.