Tom Strickler, the newly appointed Director of Operations for Columbia Borough School District will receive a salary of $94,000 plus the equivalent of $30,000 in benefits for his year-long contract, according to ELANCO Superintendent Dr. Robert Hollister. The remainder of the $165,000 that Columbia is putting up will be deposited into ELANCO's general fund.
A press contingent from
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Columbia Spy, as well as a Columbia resident, attended Monday's ELANCO School Board meeting and spoke with Dr. Hollister after the meeting. The Columbia resident had requested to comment during the meeting but was denied because he was not an ELANCO resident. The board president denied him the right to speak, even though he had not yet identified himself as a non-resident.
Hollister explained that 10 people applied for the director's position. Five were winnowed from the original pool, and three finalists were further interviewed, from which Strickler was chosen. Hollister declined to give the names of the other applicants.
Although he is technically an ELANCO employee, Strickler will run the day-to-day operations at Columbia. Hollister will come to Columbia one day a week to oversee the operation. Asked why he would do so without financial compensation, Hollister replied, "I have an affinity for Columbia." He added that he knows people from town. He said he believes the shared services agreement will give Columbia "better service at less cost."
Hollister said he is the most transparent superintendent in the county and guarantees that Strickler will be "open and approachable." Hollister added that he will attend this Thursday's's regular meeting of the Columbia School Board. Strickler is also expected to attend.
Director of Operations Summary of Responsibilities
Source: LNP
ELANCO's job posting for the position
