CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Board of Education has approved a three-year contract extension for county school Superintendent Paula Potter.
Potter, who has been in the school system for more than 30 years, was chosen as superintendent last July to replace Tom Williams who retired.
Kanawha County Board of Education President Ric Cavender said board members know they want Potter’s steady hand for the next several years.
“We’re all very impressed with the level of detail that Dr. Potter is paying when it comes to leading the system,” Cavender said.
Cavender said Potter, who will continue to be paid $180,000 a year, is making data-driven decisions. He said she’s also operating with transparency was apparent with a Facebook post Monday detailing the reasons the system has to cut 140 jobs by next fall.
“When you’re a public entity, like a school board, and tax dollars are funding your system, it’s important that you are as transparent as possible,” Cavender said. “And you’re also getting the right information out there so the public can better understand why these really difficult decisions have to be made at the administrative level.”
Cavender said Potter has also been very visible since she was hired last July including school visits and showing up at extra-curricular activities. He said that’s an important part of the job.
“Making sure the public understands the decisions we’re making and making sure the public also sees all of the the great opportunities your students can have in Kanawha County schools,” Cavender said.
A three-year contract extension was important to the school board, according to Cavender.
“We wanted to make sure we were able to offer a multi-year contract because we need that stability, we need that respect that Dr. Potter has. We’re really happy with our decision,” Cavender said.
Potter is a Kanawha County graduate and has worked in all levels of the school system including time in the administrations at Riverside and South Charleston high schools before moving to the administrative offices.