TOWN STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
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Consider and act to hire Dr. Kelly Ritchie as the new Head of School for Westlake Academy and approve the Head of School’s employment contract; and take appropriate action (Wade Carroll, Town Manager)
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STAFF: Wade Carroll, Town Manager
BACKGROUND:
On March 21, 2024, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees unanimously named Kelly Ritchie as the lone finalist as their choice for the Westlake Academy Head of School. State law requires that the lone finalist be named and a 21-day waiting period be observed prior to appointment to allow parents the opportunity to make comments on the selection prior to the Head of School’s appointment.
DISCUSSION:
The Westlake Academy Board of Trustees hired Diversified Search Group to assist in the filling of the Head of School (HOS) position. Many resumes were received with the top qualified candidates being presented to a subcommittee of parents, Board members, and staff for formal interviews and recommendations. The Board followed the recommendations of the subcommittee naming Ms. Ritchie as the lone finalist and allowing then Mayor Sean Kilbride to negotiate a contract with Ms. Ritchie for her services as HOS.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The HOS salary of $230,000 will be added to the current and FY 2025 Academy Budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Consider and act as desired.
ATTACHMENT(S):
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TOWN COUNCIL ACTION/OPTIONS:
1) I move that the Council hire Dr. Kelly Ritchie as the Head of School for Westlake Academy, approve the Head of School employment contract with Dr. Kelly Ritchie in substantially the terms presented, including a term expiring June 30, 2026, and annual salary of $230,000, and authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute the employment contract with Dr. Ritchie on behalf of the Town of Westlake
2) Motion to amend with the following stipulations (please state stipulations in motion)
3) Motion to table
4) Motion to deny