The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees Wednesday unanimously approved a contract for Murry Schekman to serve as interim superintendent as the district officials seek a permanent one.
Schekman left PVUSD in 2015 to teach education at San Jose State University’s College of Education.
He served as principal at six PVUSD schools, with Watsonville High School the last one before he became Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction.
There was no public comment during the meeting, which drew just a few dozen people.
Schekman says he has no plans to apply for the permanent seat.
He will be paid $1,000 per day, which Board Chair Jennifer Holm says is standard for such an interim position. He will also get the district’s health benefits, plus a $300 vehicle stipend and a $100 cell phone stipend. His contract runs through June 2024.
“I’m just living in a world of gratitude,” he said after the decision. “I’m part of your—our—community. This is a real challenge and honor. I look forward to being in the office, and on school campuses on Monday.”
Holm said that “a number” of people applied for the interim position.
“This process demonstrated what a wealth of talent and dedication we have in our district,” she said.
In other action, the Trustees approved a contract with Glendora, Calif.-based Leadership Associates to conduct the national search for a new superintendent.
The company, which conducted the previous search when former Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez was hired, will be paid $26,500.
