Even though long-time Clinton City Schools employee Clyde Locklear is moving ahead in his career path, a last ditch effort to keep him here serving the city school’s district was made during a special called meeting Monday night.

The Clinton City Board of Education met Monday evening to discuss personnel matters. During this discussion, superintendent Dr. Stuart Blount made a recommendation to the board to increase Clyde Locklear’s salary in an effort to keep him as a school employee, but with strings attached.

In addition to the salary increase for Locklear, the superintendent asked board members to extend the contracts for associate superintendents Dr. Mark Duckworth and Terrace Miller. Duckworth was hired after the retirement of Lenora Locklear, director of curriculum and instruction. Miller was named as the associate superintendent of human resources after the retirement of Nancy Dillman, in early 2015.

“The reason I made this recommendation is because Clyde has provided a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our system,” Blount said during a telephone interview Wednesday morning. “He has been an intricate part of the Clinton City Schools team.”

As for extending Duckworth and Miller’s contracts, Blount said the duo had done an exceptional job for the schools, with Duckworth and Miller both working in their respective roles to help maintain the growth in the schools.

“This was a opportunity to keep the continuity of that team,” Blount shared.

The board did not approve Blount’s recommendation, but not for a lack of a motion.

According to Diane Viser, board member, she made a motion to support the superintendent’s recommendation.

“I made a motion to go with the superintendent’s recommendation and support the superintendent,” Viser said when contacted by telephone.

As for her reasoning in supporting the superintendent, Viser said it was an easy decision.

“It was very easy and clear for me because it is what is best for the students in this district,” Viser commented.

Locklear, who is expected to begin working with Cumberland County Schools as the associate superintendent of business operations in October, was approved by the Cumberland board during a meeting Tuesday. Locklear will be working with an operating budget of more than $412 million for 87 schools. There will be 21 employees under his supervision.

The board hired Locklear at a salary of $135,000. He replaces Ricky Lopes, who is retiring effective Sept. 30.

Locklear’s departure from the position he has held for the last 27 years isn’t without support.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity,” Blount said of Locklear’s move. “This just speaks volumes of his expertise. I am proud to have worked with Clyde.”

Viser spoke highly of the finance director as well.

“Clyde is a very important part of our system,” she added.

Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.

Locklear’s position approved in Cumberland

By Kristy D. Carter

[email protected]

Blount
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_Dr.-Blount-s-Head-Shot-2.jpgBlount