Superintendent hired in new district just months after receiving hefty retirement bonus
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former central Ohio superintendent who entered early retirement with a comfortable pay hike is now back in education, working as superintendent in another central Ohio school district.
Former Pickerington Superintendent Chris Briggs surprised the district last summer when he announced his early retirement. Briggs had received a new pay and benefits package just weeks before he announced he was leaving, saying he was going to take advantage of new state retirement benefits. One year later, and just months into his retirement, Briggs was selected to serve as Washington Court House's superintendent.
Washington Court House Director of Marketing, Communications and Safety Trevor Patton said Briggs will assume the role on Aug. 1, although Briggs has been serving as interim superintendent since June 2. Briggs retired from the Pickerington Local School District on Jan. 31, although his contract originally would have ended on July 31, 2026.
The move raised eyebrows among some Pickerington parents who were concerned by the enticing retirement package Briggs received six months ago. The district board of education passed a contract addendum 3-2 for Briggs on June 24, 2024, that raised his salary to $205,400, included a $15,000 bonus and introduced a much higher pay rate for any accrued sick days upon his retirement. His resignation letter was dated July 5, 2024. According to payroll documents obtained by NBC4, his total severance package was $70,000.
Briggs's compensation was the subject of criticism among Pickerington teachers even before the June 2024 raise. In 2023, he received an 11.2% raise mid-contract, where teachers received just a 2.5% raise, causing some to speak out. See previous coverage in the video player above.
Parents also said past district spending on Briggs' compensation could contribute to their opinion of an upcoming levy request, especially because he received retirement benefits but is no longer retired. The district will decide between two possible levy requests later this month, postponing the initial vote to allow for more community feedback. Although the levy will bring in money for the school to spend on operational costs, including salaries, the levy request extends far beyond compensation.
"These (levy) proposals were shaped through extensive financial analysis and strategic forecasting," district spokesperson Jacqueline Bryant said. "To support transparency, we're hosting a series of town hall meetings so community members can learn more about the district’s fiscal position and the need to generate additional operating revenue."
The district is predicting an enrollment increase of more than 1,000 students in the next four years and is already pressed for funding for its currently enrolled 11,222 students. The district has been bringing in less money than it is spending since 2022.
Although Briggs' compensation was approved during that deficit spending, the district's annual operating costs are between $150 million and $200 million, per the district's financial plan. Even with a full year's pay and the bonus included, Briggs contract would have made up just 0.1% of total district spending, so the levy request is rooted in the other 99.9% of costs.
"His retirement compensation was governed by state law and the terms of a publicly approved addendum, which accounted for legally accrued benefits. While we understand some may hold differing views on that decision, it has no bearing on the district’s current funding challenges or the proposed levy," Bryant said.
Washington Court House has not published Briggs’ salary, but the job posting estimated the position would start with a base salary between $150,000 and $170,000. The district did not respond to NBC4's inquiry about Briggs' new salary by publication.
According to Washington Court House's superintendent search profile, compiled from focus groups of district employees and community members, the district wanted someone unifying, experienced and open-minded. Briggs had 30 years of experience in education, including his time at Pickerington, contributing to him being an ideal candidate. Washington Court House's school board approved his appointment unanimously.
“Washington Court House City Schools has a proud tradition of strong academics and a well-earned reputation for student success, thanks to the incredible work of our teachers, administrators and support staff," Briggs said in his introductory email to faculty and staff. "I look forward to contributing to continued success and providing leadership during this time of transition.”
Washington Court House leadership echoed Briggs' excitement to have him on the team. As for Pickerington, the district is hosting four budgetary town hall meetings with Briggs' successor, Charles Smialek, over the next two weeks. The board will vote on which levy will go to the ballot on July 28.