By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Meeting in special session Wednesday afternoon, the Henry Co. Schools board of education voted unanimously on a four-year contract for incoming Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins. Dr. Watkins will officially resign her position as Director of Obion Co. Schools at a special session Thursday night.
Under terms of the contract, Dr. Watkins will be paid $125,000 a year and will begin July 15 of this year. The contract also calls for $100 monthly allowance for dental and vision insurance, an automobile allotment of $750 per month and 60 days a year for sickness, accident or bereavement. Board Attorney Rob Whitfield said her salary for this July will be reduced since it will be a partial month of work.
Dr. Watkins will replace Dr. Brian Norton, whose contract ends July 1.
“What are we going to do between July 1 and July 15?”, Board Member Jim McCampbell asked. Board Attorney Rob Whitfield said since it was a special meeting and the board only announced it would be addressing Dr. Watkin’s contract at the meeting, the board would have to wait until the next regular meeting for that discussion.
The meeting was held with electronic participation from two members, Tom Beasley, who is in London, England; and Josh Frey, who is ill.
Photo: Board Attorney Rob Whitfield, left, explains a point during the meeting, while Rod Frey, Jill Coker and Board Secretary Christy Thompson listen. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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