Newman gets 2 percent raise, contract extension
By Bobby Bryant, Editor
The Darlington County School Board has rewarded Education Superintendent Tim Newman’s performance during the past year of COVID crises with a 2 percent pay raise, an extension of his contract and an increase in his monthly vehicle allowance. School board members conducted their yearly evaluation of Newman’s performance in executive session during their Nov. 8 meeting. “Newman met or exceeded expectations in every category of the board evaluation,” the Darlington County School District said in a statement. The board has extended his contract by an extra year; it now runs through June 2024. The board also awarded him a 2 percent raise, “consistent with what the board approved on average for all district employees.” Newman, hired in 2018, earns about $180,000 a year. The DCSD’s roughly two dozen schools have faced unprecedented challenges over the past 18 months or so because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a long stretch when all district schools had to operate “remotely” through online classes. Newman’s strengths are “community relations, business and finance, and personal traits, all traits that helped guide our district through the pandemic,” board Chairman Warren Jeffords said in a statement. “Dr. Newman has continued to put the safety and well-being of our students and staff first while not losing focus on the academic efforts of our district,” Jeffords said. “We recognize the educational challenges created by the pandemic, but we must continue to work toward significant academic growth. The board thanks Dr. Newman for his leadership in these trying times.” Newman said in a statement: “Community, Understanding our Students, Technology Tools, and Weather the Storms have been the pillars for the Darlington County School District since my first day on the job. Relying on these pillars during our recent challenges, I have not wavered in my commitment to help every student be successful on their educational journey. I am grateful to the board and the DCSD family for their continued trust and support.”
