Looney offer calls for $285,000 salary

Mike Looney will be paid about $19,000 more than Metro Schools’ former director if he takes the job in the district, according to discussions Wednesday about his contract.

In total Looney will make $285,000 if he becomes the district’s next director of schools. The salary would be second in Tennessee to only Shelby County Schools’ director.

During the meeting to debrief about a Williamson County site visit, the four school board members that visited the county spoke highly of the experience. The board also talked about the next steps in his hiring, including ironing out the final details of his contract.

From the Monday meetings, many noted Williamson County officials are trying hard to keep Looney, but still gave rave reviews of the director.

“There were endless glowing reports,” said board member Amy Frogge.

With a positive feeling about Looney, the board decided to make only one major change in Looney's contract.

The group decided to do away with a termination without cause stipulation in the contract that would add an extra layer of security for Looney. Board member Anna Shepherd noted that during interviews at Williamson County Schools, many said the first-year transition under Looney was challenging.

She worried that challenge could cause a new batch of board members to fire Looney because of political motives.

“We could have five new board members in a year,” Shepherd said. “What if they come in and say they don’t want him?”

Looney still has a termination with cause clause within his contract, which includes performance and ethical breaches.

“I think about my own job,” said Board Chairwoman Sharon Gentry. “And if you have a sufficient evaluation tool and process, and goals that are clearly expected, there should never be a termination without cause clause.”

Looney’s contract will extend for four years, and the Williamson County Schools director said he can start in Metro Schools on Sept. 1. The contract includes 25 days paid leave, a car and a cell phone.

It is Metro Nashville policy that the superintendent reside within the district, and Looney will have until June to relocate. The district will pay his moving expenses.

Gentry said she expects Looney to sign the contract on Friday.

“I want to give a facetious, heartfelt apology to Williamson County for this loss on their part, but I am excited,” Gentry said. “In talking to Dr. Looney during this process, he is eager to get started.”

Williamson County Schools is also trying to sign Looney to a contract. The majority of the board approved a contract extension for Looney on Monday. He has yet to sign.

The contract includes a $191,000 salary, a maximum 5 percent annual salary raise, a $30,000 retention bonus, additional vacation days and a mandated buyout if he leaves to Metro Nashville.

Reach Jason Gonzales at 615-259-8047 and on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.