Dr. Charles Lawson, Director of Coffee County Schools, has been asking for a renewal of his current contract and an increase in pay to $144,095.
A Coffee County Teacher Advisory Council representative told board members they had sent a survey to all Coffee County school employees, meaning over 800. Only 120 were returned, with all showing favorable results for Dr. Lawson.
During Monday’s school board meeting. board member Kathy Rose motioned to “renew” Dr. Charles Lawson’s current contract to include changes as noted in provided documents to Board Members; this motion failed. Next, Rose motioned to terminate Lawson’s contract without cause, effective June 1, 2024, and pay him for the remaining year of his contract that would not actually serve out, but that vote failed as well.
By doing so, the school board would have to hire someone to replace Lawson, pay them, and buy out the remainder of the current director’s contract. This would have cost taxpayers approximately $115,000, plus the interim or new director’s pay. Lawson’s current contract will end in June 2025.
