Southport Central School Principal Lisa Clarke has a new role. Clarke is leaving her lead teacher/school administrator position she’s had for the past three years to become a part-time administrator and mentor next fall.

Clarke agreed to her new role to create a smooth transition for her successor. The committee is about “a month behind” in their search, according to Superintendent Bob Kahler who led the hiring process discussion during the Feb. 12 committee meeting. The next step is a job description. Clarke volunteered to write one and present it at next month’s meeting. Next is advertising for her replacement. Kahler reported he and Alternative Organization Structure 98 Administrative Assistant Evelyn Andrews would write and place the advertisement.

Kahler and the committee agreed the advertisement needed to seek an elementary school teacher who would transition into a school administrator. Committee Chairman Adam Harkins believes Clarke’s decision to serve as a mentor will create more interest in the vacancy. “At first, it was ‘Lisa’s leaving.’ Wow, that’s interesting,” he said. “Now it’s,’ Lisa will be a mentor. Wow.’ So, I think this creates an even deeper pool of candidates who knows they won’t have to jump right into the administrative work.”

As school administrator, Clarke receives an 18% stipend based on her teacher’s pay. She will receive half of her stipend in her mentor’s role. School officials expect to hire a replacement at Level 11 on the pay scale which saves money by hiring a less experienced teacher.

Kahler expects interviews will begin in six weeks, and Clarke’s replacement hired by the end of June. The committee meets next at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 4 in the school. They will attend the annual meeting which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the town hall.