The Russell County Board of Education approved a new four-year contract for Superintendent Michael Ford at Monday night’s board of education meeting.
The contract, which will keep Ford’s salary the same at $110,000, will go into effect July 1 and go through June 2025.
Ford spoke with WJRS News after Monday night’s meeting and said he was humbled to remain at the helm of the school district for another four years.
“I’m very appreciative and humbled that the Russell County Board of Education gave me a new contract,” Ford said. “It’s a great blessing to be raised in Russell County, live in Russell County, graduate from Russell County High School, and then continue to serve as Superintendent of Russell County Schools. It’s just a very humbling experience.”
Ford gave credit to others in the school district who play a key role in the day-to-day operations of the district.
“This isn’t me,” Ford said. “It’s the great faculty and staff that we have, administration, students, parents and guardians, great board of education to work with, and the great support from our community members.”
Superintendent Salaries
Ford said he didn’t request a salary increase during negotiations due to the fact that the school district has not been able to grant raises to school staff recently, along with other factors such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the financial effects from that.
Ford’s salary of $110,000 is well below the state average for school superintendent salaries, which is $135,350 for the 2020-2021 school year.
The salary for Russell County Schools Superintendent is also lower than many other nearby school districts. A few are listed below.
Wayne County – $130,000
Taylor County – $156,458
Somerset Ind. – $151,500
Science Hill – $135,000
Pulaski County – $148,000
Metcalfe County – $115,000
McCreary County – $134,500
Cumberland County – $107,060
Clinton County – $91,197
Casey County – $129,553
Campbellsville Ind. – $117,303
Adair County – $126,250
