New DISD Chief's Contract Has Lots Of Incentives Based On Progress

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Newly hired Dallas School District Superintendent Mike Miles signed a contract that will pay him $300,000 yearly for the next three years.  And also inside that contract are incentive offers that provide up to $250,000 more in yearly payments.

Miles signed the contract Thursday night after Dallas School Board Trustees voted 8-1 to officially hire him as General Superintendent.  Included in the contract is a list of performance-based incentives, student achievement-based incentives, a retention payment supplement and other perks.  If Miles achieved the performance and student achievement goals set forth by the board, he would be entitled to extra payments.

Labor and employment attorney Mark Shank of Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail Shank examined the contract signed by Miles.  He said the Superintendent's base salary appears to be standard, based on the fact that Dallas ISD is a large urban school system.  "The $300,000 base is comparable to the last two Superintendents", Shank assessed.  But the lawyer noted the compensation incentives for Miles stand out.  "I do think they (the incentives) are higher. But maybe rightfully so.  Maybe the board has made a decision that it is important to turn this school district around".

Miles is also receiving $1000 a day administrative fee from the district. The payments finance Miles' service to the district before he officially takes the job July 1.  He'll spend at least 15 days visiting principals and DISD staff, before moving to Dallas.