Dr. Christopher Bernier

Dr. Christopher Bernier will be sworn in to the School District of Lee County’s top administrative post on May 16.

As superintendent he will earn an annual salary of $255,000, plus benefits with the total 2-1/2 year package value placed at $476,875.80.

“I am grateful to the Lee County School Board for giving me the opportunity to lead this District and look forward to working with Superintendent Ken Savage during the transition,” Bernier said in a prepared statement released Thursday. “I am committed to helping every student succeed by supporting the District’s vision of being a world class school system and am eagerly anticipating getting to know our schools, staff, students, families and community.”

According to the contract approved by the Lee County School Board this week, Bernier’s salary will increase every year in an amount that is equal to the percentage increase for a 12-month district administrative personnel.

The length of his contract will depend on whether an elected superintendent bill is placed on the ballot and whether voters then approve it. The contract would increase from two and a half years to three and a half if the proposal fails.

“We did talk to Dr. Bernier about this and he is well aware. He wishes to move forward entering into the contract with the school board,” Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said.

If placed on the ballot and an elected superintendent is approved by voters in November 2022, the superintendent candidates would come before the voters in the 2024 election cycle. If an elected superintendent passes, the term of Bernier’s contract would end when the new superintendent is sworn in.

If the elected superintendent bill does not move forward, or the voters decide they do not want an elected superintendent, the contract would automatically continue an additional year for a three and a half year contract.

Termination by Bernier must be made with a 90-day written notice and compensation will cease upon the date of termination. Termination by the board can be made immediately if there is a mutual agreement between the board and Bernier, disability by illness or incapacity whether physical or mental, death and intentional violation of state or federal law.

There also is a clause in the contract that touches upon continuing employment. It states that if Bernier’s employment is terminated for any manner other than for cause pursuant to his contract, “the school board, upon recommendation of the successor superintendent, shall appoint the superintendent to an administrative position of a pay grade equivalent to that help prior to assumption of duties as superintendent.”

A model 360-degree assessment instrument will be provided to the board no later than July 1, 2022 by Bernier. No later than August 2022, Bernier and the board will meet and discuss the instruments to be used for his evaluation, which shall take place in November of every year.

The employment contract includes a moving and transition expense of $20,000, with $10,000 up front. The expenses include moving, transportation, lodging, temporary housing and travel related expenses with receipts.

He will also receive a monthly $500 in allowance for vehicle expenses once he begins his position.

The contract also includes that the board shall contribute “an amount equal to 20 percent of the superintendent’s then current monthly base salary.” Bernier’s contract also includes that accrued and unused vacation days shall carry over from year to year. In addition, the school board shall reimburse the superintendent up to $2,400 towards the cost of his life insurance policy.

An executive mentor/ coach is also part of his contract, “in order to model continued professional development,” in an amount allocated that shall not exceed $50,000 per year.

Board member Cathleen Morgan said Bernier has to have someone to talk to when there are issues required for more than one mind. She said they need to buy that health and wellness component for the superintendent.

The school board also approved a consultant agreement for the amount of $15,000, which will provide Bernier with the opportunity to work as an independent contractor before officially being sworn in. The consulting services will include working on 100-day plan that will both enhance and benefit the district, provide feedback to Interim Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage, consult with board members and district staff to ascertain system successes and identify improvement areas, as well as observe and review board meetings.

Bernier will replace Savage, who was appointed as interim superintendent after Dr. Greg Adkins retired in June 2021. According to Savage’s contract, he can continue working with the district in another position.

Bernier is leaving his position as the chief of staff for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is the fifth largest school district in the nation with 310,000 students and an annual budget of $5.3 billion. Before he took that position, he spent 32 years with Orange County Public Schools in Orlando in a variety of positions ranging from teacher to associate superintendent.