New Solana Beach superintendent contract approved

By Marsha Sutton

The Solana Beach School District’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a contract on Feb. 9 to appoint Dr. Nancy Lynch to replace Leslie Fausset as the district’s new superintendent, effective April 2, 2012. (RSF’s Solana Santa Fe Elementary School is in the Solana Beach School District.)

Lynch comes to Solana Beach from the Placerville Union School District where she has served as superintendent since 2007.

According to her contract, Lynch will be paid an annual salary of $162,000. She will also be given $2,000 per year “to utilize cafeteria funds to upgrade health care benefits and/or to purchase additional insurance or other benefit,” according to her contract. This stipend can be used for additional life insurance, out-of-pocket costs for health and welfare benefit premiums, or other similar expense, said a district spokesperson.

Lynch’s work year will consist of 225 days, with 12 sick days per year, a yearly automobile stipend of $5,400, and a one-time relocation payment of $12,000.

Fausset was paid $165,876 annually, with a yearly automobile stipend of $4,400.

Hired as the SBSD superintendent in 2005, Fausset began her career in education 40 years ago as a first-grade teacher in the Poway Unified School District. Since that time, she has worked in numerous positions in San Diego County and at the state’s California Department of Education as deputy superintendent under state superintendent of public instruction Delaine Eastin.

Fausset, who notified her board several months ago of her intention to retire, said 34 applicants applied for the position, with approximately 15 percent from out of state.

SBSD board president Jeff Busby said of Lynch, “We believe that her background, experience, and expertise are a perfect match for Solana Beach. We are eager for her arrival on April 2 and look forward to working with her to continue our important student learning work.”