Alexandria School Board Won't Renew Contract

Superintendent Perry Will Leave in '08

The Alexandria School Board narrowly voted last night against renewing the contract of Superintendent Rebecca L. Perry, setting the stage for a search for a replacement when her term expires next year, board members said.

The 5 to 4 vote against a contract renewal for Perry was quickly followed by a unanimous vote to begin a superintendent search, members said.

The votes put the 10,000-student system on course for a leadership change after a city School Board election last year turned over most of the board. Perry has been superintendent since summer 2001; her contract ends in June 2008.

The votes came after the board met for more than two hours in closed session to discuss Perry's contract.

Afterward, board Chairman Arthur E. Peabody Jr. praised Perry's record but said the school system would benefit from a "fresh look."

"Ms. Perry is not being fired or terminated," he added. "This is simply a decision not to renew her contract at the time it expires."

Members who voted against renewing the contract were Peabody, Vice Chairman Blanche D. Maness, Claire M. Eberwein, Scott Newsham and Yvonne A. Folkerts. Those who voted in favor of renewal were members Sheryl Gorsuch, Eileen Cassidy Rivera, Charles H. Wilson and Ronnie Campbell.

Perry's critics, who have chafed at some of her personnel and budget decisions, said the schools needed a new leadership style.

Last night's action came after a contentious two weeks during which members split sharply over Perry's contract and how board leaders handled the issue.

"It seems clear to me that they didn't want public comment," Gorsuch said after the meeting. "I am disappointed."

Perry's supporters have called the superintendent a strong academic advocate for the neediest children. Under Perry's tenure, minority achievement has gone up, and the number of accredited schools has risen from two to 14.

Gorsuch said that yesterday she received more than 50 e-mails about the matter, most in support of Perry.

Eberwein said after the meeting that she expected the board to work with the community to search for a replacement. "I am absolutely confident we will get an excellent superintendent," she said.

Perry said earlier this month that although she was proud of the school system's success under her tenure, she was "fully prepared to leave at the end of '08 if that is the decision of the board." Last night, Perry was not present during the vote on her contract, board members said.

Peabody said Perry is expected to remain in her position until her contract expires. He added that a nationwide search is expected to take about a year.

"We owe her a debt of gratitude for her service," he said, but added that "a fresh perspective on all our programs will, in my view, serve to ensure that students in Alexandria enjoy the greatest success in the future."

Earlier in the evening, the board adopted a $189 million budget for the fiscal year that begins in July.