Tuolumne school leader takes pay cut

TUOLUMNE COUNTY -- Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Joe Silva plans to retire Nov. 29, take a three-day weekend and return the next week at one-fifth his salary for the two years remaining on his term.

"I am in the second year of a four-year term and I fully intend to complete my four-year term, but I want to be sure we don't have to cut staff or have furlough days," Silva said Wednesday.

Silva, who will turn 62 this month, said his salary is $169,000 a year, but because of additional employer costs the district will save an estimated $150,000 each year.

"That will ensure we don't have to make any cuts or have any furloughs," he said.

He said he hopes to be able to upgrade technology in the county office of education, which has about 50 employees.

Meanwhile, he will be able to draw on his retirement through the California State Teachers' Retirement System. "The timing is right for this to occur for me and for our office," Silva said.

The staff broke into applause when he told them, which came as a surprise, Silva said. "This is actually very emotional for me," he said.

The change must be approved by the Tuolumne County Board of Education, which will consider accepting his resignation as of Nov. 29 and reappointment effective Dec. 1 at a meeting Monday.

Silva's decision mirrors one made by Larry Powell, superintendent of schools for Fresno County. Powell "retired" one year into a four-year term in 2011.

The Tuolumne County Office of Education operates with about $10 million in annual revenue and oversees 12 school districts serving about 6,100 students. The county office serves about 70 students directly with alternative programs.

The Tuolumne County Board of Education will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the County Schools Office, Room 217, 175 S. Fairview Lane, Sonora.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339, and on Twitter, @NanAustin.