In a PR move, intended in part to sell the Quality in Education tax increase initiative on the ballot this November, the TUSD administration is advising the public that the district is facing a $17 million shortfall. At the same time, the district’s Superintendent received a $35,000 bonus.
Pedicone did not decline the bonus the Board awarded him in a 3-1-1 vote this week.
When news of the bonus became unfavorable, a new PR campaign began. Pedicone will now donate the bonus to the Educational Enrichment Foundation.
He didn’t donate it back to the district, which is allowable by law. He didn’t decline the raise in his new contract either. While teachers are facing a 8 percent cut next year, Pedicone received a 7.7 percent increase this year.
TUSD Governing Board voted to restructure his compensation package to include a $6,000 base raise and an $11, 000 increases in contributions to retirement annuities with other smaller additions, such as an increase to 40 days paid leave.
A district official confirmed that Pedicone’s compensation package increased by almost $25,000 before bonus to $409,000 to remain the highest in the State of Arizona, including a new $10,000 Separation Bonus for each year he stays on the Job. This does not include a potential performance bonus of $22,000.
The total potential compensation with the performance bonus is now $431,000.
There is now almost a 16% swing in favor of the highest paid employee in the district who makes almost 10 times the average employee.
“The Board has acted irresponsibly. To continue to give the superintendent raises while he is announcing an 8 percent cut is unconscionable. What are they thinking” said TUSD Governing Board candidate John Hunnicutt.
Only Dr, Mark Stegeman refused to support the new contract saying that he questioned the process. Dr. Stegeman also abstained from the bonus award.