Pay Challenged for Interim Assistant Superintendent

A resolution on the Hillsborough Board of Education's agenda to pay Interim Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Andrew Rinko for five days work in December failed to pass at Monday's board meeting. 

The resolution sought approval for payment for Rinko's work on Dec. 14, when he attended a training session on the district's new teacher evaluation system; Dec. 20 and 21, when he worked with departing Assistant Superintendent Scott Rocco; and Dec. 27 and 28, two days regular 12-month employees are paid for during the winter break. 

Rinko is filling in until newly-appointed Guy Whitlock can begin.

But board member Judy Haas questioned the resolution, noting the board had discussed Rinko's starting date at the Dec. 17 board meeting and planned for him not to start before the new year. 

And, she added, she "would not be in favor of retroactive dates."

Superintendent Jorden Schiff apologized for any confusion, noting that he had always assumed there would be some overlap with Rocco before his departure, as well as Rinko's attendance at the training session.

"I felt it was important for him to be part of the training," Dr. Schiff said.

When the resolution came up for a vote, Haas and Dana Boguszewski voted against the measure. Since members Thomas Kinst, Jennifer Haley, Thuy Anh Le and Chris Pulsifer were absent, the resolution failed—ironically, it was Rinko who pointed out five board members must approve contracts.