The Greater Clark County Schools board has approved the contract of its next superintendent, Dr. Andrew Melin.Melin will lead the district, overseeing nearly 11,000 students. He’ll replace Stephen Daeschner who was hired in 2009, and who oversaw significant gains in student achievement.Melin was chosen from a list of 17 national applicants and currently serves as the superintendent of Indiana’s Valparaiso Community Schools. He’s also served in various education roles including principal, counselor and teacher.Board president Christina Gilkey led the search committee that recommended Melin. “The vote was 5 in favor and 2 opposed, and my best hope and prayer is that that vote is done and we’ll be able to unite moving forward and give Dr. Melin the support and encouragement he will need to be a great superintendent," she said.Melin has also had success as superintendent of Indiana’s Peru Community Schools, where graduation rates rose 10 percent during his tenure. When he replaces Daeschner, whose large $225,000 salary became the crux of debate over whether to renew his contract, he'll be making a base salary of $170,000 salary including a $10,000 annuity for retirement and a $20,000 stipend for moving.Melin begins July 1.
