Board gives Rollins raise, declines to extend contract

Jim Rollins - bizpeople
Jim Rollins - bizpeople

SPRINGDALE -- The School Board agreed this week to give Superintendent Jim Rollins a substantial raise, but also opted not to extend his contract as it usually does this time of year.

Rollins was earning $226,493. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to increase his salary to $243,000 -- a 7.3% raise -- making him the highest paid superintendent in Arkansas, according to Kevin Ownbey, board president.

The board also agreed to pay him an "extended service" bonus in January 2022. Ownbey declined to reveal exactly what the bonus would be, saying it's part of a contract addendum that hasn't been signed by all parties.

Rollins' contract expires Dec. 31, 2021. The board normally evaluates the superintendent's performance each January, then votes to extend his contract by another year.

The board met for more than two hours in executive session. Ownbey offered no reason for the board's decision on the contract length, saying he couldn't speak for all seven members.

Rollins said Thursday he thinks the board felt it was time to begin preparing for a change.

"We have a great board, and the board is doing what they think is best in terms of looking out for the long-term interests of the district," Rollins said. "So I'm adjusting to that recommendation, and the board was very good in terms of talking about the next two years and the work that we all anticipate doing to better serve our kids."

Rollins, 72, has been the district's superintendent since 1982. Springdale is the largest school district in Arkansas with about 22,200 students.

Asked if he plans to retire at the end of his contract, Rollins said he wasn't certain.

"My entire life has been devoted to working with great teachers and principals," he said. "I'll look at the opportunities should they come my way down the road. But right now, as it's been for the last 40 years, it's to do the very best we can for the children of Springdale."

The board adjusted Rollins' pay "to reflect and recognize the magnitude of the responsibilities required for this position as the state's largest school district," Ownbey said in a written statement.

"Dr. Rollins has successfully and effectively led the school district through unprecedented growth in student population, facility construction and faculty growth. The achievements of the district, our students, our faculty and our administrators are second to none," Ownbey said.

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Archer Learning Center Principal Coby Davis (right) applauds Oct. 25 as Springdale Public School's Superintendent Jim Rollins (left) recognizes John Archer, the building's namesake, during the building dedication of the center in Springdale. (File Photo/NWA Democrat-Gazette/David Gottschalk)

NW News on 01/17/2020

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