School Board approves raise for Promise program leader

Broward County School Board members gave a ringing endorsement — and a $24,000 boost in compensation — to an administrator who oversees student services, including the controversial Promise program.

Mickey Pope was promoted Tuesday from her current director-level job to the post of chief of student support services. School Board members say she’s worked tirelessly to lead the district’s recovery from the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, ensuring students received the counseling and academic services they needed.

“She is vital to this district,” School Board member Robin Bartleman said.

Her pay increase drew some criticism on social media because of her role overseeing the embattled Promise program, which provides alternatives to students who commit certain misdemeanor offenses. The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported this month that the program is part of a culture of leniency in the district that allows students to get countless second chances.

No critics spoke and School Board members said little about the Promise program, other than it was a small part of Pope’s duties.

Pope made $149,389 as of fall 2017 as executive director of student support services.

The district did not specify how much of her increased compensation will be in salary and how much in benefits. But they said her extra duties following the shooting warranted more money.

She will now directly report to Superintendent Robert Runcie instead of to the chief academic officer.

Although this position includes a pay increase, Runcie said he’s eliminated other positions, leading to a net savings of $169,017.