Garcia says bonus for him inappropriate given finances

Terry Webster

Wednesday, May 23, 2001 | 10:24 a.m.

A salary hike or bonus -- or both -- could be offered to Superintendent Carlos Garcia after his first job performance evaluation by the Clark County School Board.

But Garcia on Tuesday told the School Board he doesn't think it would be appropriate to accept either, given the district's financial status.

Garcia, on the job for just under a year, earns a salary of $200,000 and has a total compensation package worth about $250,000.

Garcia said that in the future, he would like to get the same percentage of increase given to other employee groups.

Board member Larry Mason said Garcia's eligibility for an increase or bonus should be determined by his job performance and not outside factors.

"Otherwise, we should just do away with all of this," he said.

Mason was referring to a ranking scale that shows the level of performance bonus Garcia would be entitled to, based on his evaluation score. The board approved the scale by a 4-3 vote.

The scale reflects a bonus range of 1 percent to 6 percent, or $2,000 to $12,000, based on the number of points Garcia earns during his evaluation.

Separately, the board will determine whether Garcia is eligible for a base pay increase, which cannot exceed 6 percent.

"We can't afford it," Garcia said.

The superintendent's employment contract requires the board to annually review his base pay. The contract does not guarantee a salary increase or bonus.

"I have a concern about the bonus when the teachers are not getting anything," board member Shirley Barber said.

Board member Susan Brager-Wellman said that for someone earning Garcia's salary, a bonus or raise of $12,000 is not going to make much difference.

"He is going to continue doing what he does because of the children," she said.

Several board members said they would consider offering either a bonus or base pay increase, but probably not both.

Garcia's evaluation is set for a closed session with the School Board on June 28.

Following the meeting, the board will announce Garcia's overall score.

During the meeting, trustees will each present an individual evaluation of Garcia.

The board also will have the option of extending Garcia's five-year contract by one year.