Schools give Brown 3-year deal

Kennebec Journal, September 13, 2007

(excerpt) The Board of Education renewed Superintendent Cornelia Brown's contract for three years Wednesday night, despite concerns Augusta could be forced to consolidate with another school system before that term is up.

Whether Augusta stands alone or ends up having to consolidate and form a new school system, some board members said, they want Brown to be their superintendent.

Only Kim Silsby, who is both a board member and state representative, voted against the contract renewal.

Silsby praised Brown and her accomplishments as superintendent over the last six years at length, taking pains to make clear she supports Brown and would like to keep her as Augusta's superintendent.

But Silsby proposed waiting for two weeks to a month before committing to a new contract for Brown, whose contract expires this summer, until after Augusta learns whether its intention to remain on its own -- rather than consolidate with other schools -- is approved by the state.