Joe Howard, Prescott Unified School District Superintendent since 2014, received a three-year extension on his administrative contract this past June.
Howard, noting that few of the district employees received salary increases on their new contracts, declined an increase in his. His annual salary is $142,000, plus benefits. Governing board President Deb Dillion praised Howard, saying the board was confident in him and supported his leadership.
Howard, with more than 25 years of public education experience, was himself a Prescott High School graduate. He is the son of now-retired PUSD superintendent Jim Howard.
The board also supported naming of longtime Prescott High School math teacher Adam Neely as the new high school principal. He was selected from among 12 candidates from across the nation.
The board also supported the recommendation that when school opens Aug. 5 for the 2021-22 school year, students, faculty and staff will not be required to wear cloth masks. Alexa Scholl, PUSD health and safety coordinator, explained because of current data, the intent is that masks are not needed.
However, that decision is subject to change, contingent upon future health reports. Scholl also said the district is considering open vaccination clinics.
