Richmond School’s CFO is a Part-timer
From Style I have learned that the Richmond Public Schools have paid over $172,000 so far this year on consultant Jim Damm. Damm was hired after Tom Sheeran, the district’s previous chief financial office resigned after audits revealed issues such as a $1 million dollar computer room that couldn’t handle heavy rains. Damm lives in Dallas, Texas and consults by telephone or is regularly flown into town on the school’s dime.
Damm most recently provided guidance to the district on Mayor Dwight Jones’ proposal to spend $150 million on new school construction, including rebuilding Huguenot High School. According to the consultant’s presentation, the mayor’s proposal would cost closer to $175 million.
Richmond continues to advertise the position nationally, Richmond Public Schools spokesman Alfonso Mathis confirms, and the district has “spoken with several interested parties” about filling the finance post permanently, but so far the search has been unsuccessful.
I can’t help myself but say “Damn Damm that’s a lot of money that could be spent on schools.”
Damm! Pay me half what that guy gets, and I’ll do it twice as well, and on site to boot.
Richard,
I’m not going very far down this path, but James Damm has provided an excellent perspective and knowledge, from outside the system, not a part of any of the historical relationships that have characterized management of the school system. Is he worth that salary? Not my call, but he has done an excellent job.
Style has had a hardon for RPS for a long time. Take anything that they have to say on the matter with several grains of salt.
I am not saying that Damm is doing a bad job, even the article states he is “by all accounts a capable finance administrator”. My issue and what I think is worth discussing is the salary we are paying for a consultant. In my experience a consultant is rarely cheaper than an employee. Two years would seem like an adequate amount of time to find a suitable replacement.
Some other city salaries from RTD Article of March 15, 2009 “City Attorney Norman B. Sales makes $175,500, while acting Chief Administrative Officer Christopher L. Beschler makes $177,595; Beschler’s regular salary as a deputy chief administrative officer is $162,595. New School Superintendent Yvonne Brandon makes $170,000.”
The times I have met with Jim Damm, I’ve been more than impressed with him.
I think the bigger story is the sad fact that RPS has for the better part of a decade been unable to retain an above board, competent Chief Financial Officer. Tom Sheerhan’s work speaks for itself.