Board OKS superintendent’s contract

Shelby County Schools interim Superintendent Joris Ray will earn $285,000 in his temporary role, after the board voted on a contract during a special called meeting Wednesday night.

People in the room gave a standing ovation after the board approved Ray’s contract.

“I really appreciate the kind words from parents, teachers, students, community leaders and I want to really thank the board for their guidance and support for the last three weeks,” said Ray.

If he earns a satisfactory evaluation score, Ray will be eligible for the same increase certified employees across the district receive, if they receive one. If they don’t, the board can still provide him a bonus.

He will make the same amount as his predecessor, Dorsey Hopson, who left the district last month to work for health insurance company Cigna.

The board will conduct an evaluation of Ray no later than September of each year he is in the role.

Board chairwoman Shante Avant previously said he could serve in the interim role for anywhere from eight to 18 months.

Ray has also already expressed interest in the permanent job.

Ray will also receive a district vehicle for personal and professional use. He’ll receive 20 vacation days per year.

The board will also contribute an additional amount, equal to 3 percent of his salary, on an annual basis to a taxsheltered annuity of his choosing. The board will also pay for all membership fees and dues of Ray to be in up to four professional or civic organizations related to his job.

The board will also pay the costs of his health care plan, including family coverage, if he desires, and will purchase a life insurance policy for Ray with a face value of $500,000, according to the contract.

According to his personnel file, obtained through a records request, Ray was earning $160,000 as the chief of school operations. He was promoted to that role in September. Three months later, the board named him interim superintendent.

Reach Jennifer Pignolet at jennifer. pignolet@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Jenpignolet.