Whomever steps in as interim superintendent of the South Coast Education Service District next fall likely will be paid less than the departing superintendent made this year.

At a special meeting Friday, the ESD Board voted to offer candidates for the position an annual salary range of between $90,000 and $105,000. The decision ran counter to the recommendation of the board's advisor with Oregon School Boards Association. She suggested offering the same salary as the current superintendent, Rick Howell, who was paid $105,030, according to Board Member Vicki Varley-Goodrich.

But the board opted for the lower range.

“Whoever we hire will either be retired (and be receiving PERS payments) or else have less experience than other candidates,” said board member Myrna Barber, who recommended the lower figures.

Sue Walberg, who was elected to the board earlier this month, advised against going with a higher figure.

“This is not someone we are trying to secure for the next 10 years,” she said. “I'm not comfortable posting a range (with a high end) because we are looking for experienced people who are expecting to make whatever is at the high end of the pay scale.”

In addition to approving the salary range, the board gave authority to Chairman Tom Giles and Vice Chairwoman Martha Wartnik to negotiate a benefits package with candidates. It also decided against providing reimbursement for moving expenses to the interim superintendent, though the district will pay every candidate's travel and lodging expenses when they come for interviews.

During an executive session, the board narrowed its field of candidates to three, who will be invited to attend interviews on June 4.

The search for an interim superintendent began in April, following the board's decision to terminate the remaining two years on Howell's contract. It has been estimated that the severance package will cost the district $215,218.16.