Sarasota Schools Superintendent Gets New Multi-Year Deal

SARASOTA, FL -- The Sarasota County School Board voted 3-2 to approve a four-year extension on the compensation package for Superintendent Todd Bowden. The extended contract runs from Feb. 20 through June 30, 2023 and includes a base salary of $197,000.

“I am delighted to continue to serve the Sarasota County School District for four more years,” said Bowden following Tuesday's board vote. “I am eager to work with school leaders, teachers and staff to further drive innovation in our classrooms and help our students achieve success."

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The superintendent’s compensation package includes the potential for a one-year bonus of $15,000 based on a positive evaluation by the school board. The $15,000 bonus is a continuation of the existing contract terms and only applies to the current school year, according to district officials.

The contract calls for the superintendent’s base salary to increase $5,000 each year over the four-year period from $197,000 to $222,000.

District officials said the annual increases amount to less than 2.5 percent per year. Teachers received 3.25 percent to 4.25 percent in each of the last two years.

If school district employees face a salary reduction due to economic constraints, the superintendent’s salary would be reduced as well under the contract.

The contract also includes an annuity of $12,500, health insurance and benefits, business expenses, reimbursable expenses and retirement provisions.

"The ability for the school board to terminate without cause is included in the proposed contract," according to district officials, who said that the contract can be terminated by a super majority of four of the district's five board members.

Superintendent Todd Bowden photo courtesy Sarasota County School District.