Browder accepts position with Edison State College
Superintendent Dr. James Browder formally accepted a position at Edison State College Monday and has withdrawn his name from the superintendents position in Clark County, Nev.
“The opportunity to work with the education professionals at Edison State College is a huge honor for me,” Browder said in a prepared statement released Monday afternoon. “To be a part of Dr. Walker and the Board of Trustees vision will allow me to grow professionally as well as personally.”
Browder is obligated to give the Lee County School Board a 60-day notice before he leaves the district.
The policy for termination in his contract was altered at a school board meeting in December 2008, so that Browder could exit his contract after 60 days of notice and receive $341,629 in severance — the equivalent of a two-year salary package.
Browder said at the Dec. 10, 2008, board meeting that he planned on staying with the district for another eight to 10 years.
“I think that it is a terrible loss for our students and community,” board member Jane Kuckel said Monday afternoon.
She said under his leadership, Browder has brought the district to heights that she never anticipated.
Kuckel said he has been a phenomenal leader and that she is sad to see that kind of influence leave the school district.
Kuckel said Browder has the opportunity to leave earlier if the board so desires.
She said a decision needs to be made on who to appoint as the interim superintendent before the middle of November when the three new board members are seated.
Kuckel also said from her standpoint, the board should begin the discussion on how to permanently replace the superintendent when the new board members are seated in November.
“My time in Lee County Public Schools has been a wonderful experience — one that I will always value,” Browder said in the prepared statement. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some of America’s most outstanding teachers, administrators, support staff and school board members.”
Browder could not be reached for additional comment Monday afternoon.