Learning coalition prepares to look for a new director

By LISA BUIE
Published June 22, 2007

SPRING HILL - The search is on for a new captain to set the proper course for the agency charged with overseeing education and care programs for the youngest children in Pasco and Hernando counties.

A committee composed of several board members of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties met Thursday and gave preliminary approval to a revised job description. The description will be used to recruit and screen candidates for the executive director's job, which has been vacant since the forced resignation of Jo-Ann K. Fuller in May.

Fuller, who served as director for the Hernando Early Learning Coalition before it merged with Pasco in 2005, quit after staff members complained of overtime work associated with fixing fiscal problems. A review showed child care providers were overpaid $116, 000; the money has since been recouped.

Later, the board ended up having to spend an extra $310, 000 right before the end of the fiscal year, which angered some board members.

The job description that committee members approved Thursday included many of the same requirements in the previous one, but had a few more things specifically spelled out.

Those points included stronger language in describing the director's responsibilities regarding private agencies that provide services to child care providers.

One line read, "Holds contractor accountable for the requirements stipulated in agreements." Speaking skills and public relations skills with other agencies and the community were also emphasized.

The board also relaxed the educational requirements to include candidates with degrees in any field as opposed to just child care, health education, management or human services.

"We don't want to eliminate people with strong business backgrounds, " said committee chairwoman and board member Jean Rags.

Committee members also tightened up on benefits, eliminating two personal holidays and converting 30 personal leave days a year to 21 days that can be used for sick days or vacation.

The new director, who would earn $55, 000 to $85, 000 a year, also will receive more oversight from the board under the new plan in the form of evaluations at three months and six months the first year.

After that, evaluations would be annual.

Board members expect to advertise statewide by the first week in July and interview finalists by the end of that month.

"Hopefully, we'll have an executive director by mid August, " Rags said.

Committee member Maria Crosby, who directs Pasco's Head Start programs, wanted to make sure candidates are thoroughly tested. She suggested having them fill out applications in addition to submitting resumes and asking them to provide on-the-spot written responses to questions. Rags assured her those things would be done.

"We need somebody really good, " Crosby said.

Lisa Buie can be reached at buie@sptimes.com or 813 909-4604 or toll free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4604.

[Last modified June 21, 2007, 21:40:51]