The Newport-Mesa school board unanimously approved the contract for the interim superintendent Tuesday, with a few minor changes.
The board appointed Dr. Robert Barbot to the temporary position Feb. 1. He will officially start Feb. 23.
The modifications made during Tuesday’s board meeting included an increase for mileage reimbursement to his per diem rate, up to $985 from the original proposed $960/day. The contract specifies that this rate covers a full day’s service and is not to exceed 20 days per month. Barbot will also receive a $500 monthly car allowance and housing arrangements for an estimated $2,400 per month.
The total is $120,000 less than that budgeted for the office of the superintendent, according to the staff report.
There was also a minor modification in the wording regarding his discretion for his services, to make sure any services are not in a conflict of interest with the district.
The contract also specified that Barbot would not receive vacation, sick leave or health benefits.
The board acted quickly in hiring a replacement after firing Jeffrey Hubbard following his Jan, 23 conviction of two felony counts of misappropriation of public funds while working at another district.
“All successful organizations have times when they falter,” Barbot wrote in a prepared statement on Tuesday. “It’s during these times that we need to recommit, make course corrections and move forward.”
Barbot served as superintendent for the district for eight years before retiring in 2006.
Barbot said he is humbled to be part of the Newport-Mesa team again and is looking forward to his time as interim superintendent.
“It is by continuing to listen, support, respect and work together to strive to do what is right that we will continue to give all students the excellent educational opportunities they deserve,” he said.
His contract expires July 31, unless he or the district terminates it sooner. The district hopes to have the position permanently filled by Aug. 1.
