The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Commissioner's Salary
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted on January 29, 2018, to recommend Jeffrey Riley to the Secretary of Education for approval and appointment as Commissioner. The Secretary of Education appointed Mr. Riley as Commissioner in a letter dated February 1, 2018.
Under G.L. c. 15, § 1F, "the commissioner shall receive a salary to be set by the board." Following the Board's vote in January, I began discussions with Mr. Riley about setting a salary level for him, as well as the terms and conditions of his employment. I am pleased to report that we have negotiated a very appropriate agreement, as set forth below, subject to the Board's approval. Given the significant responsibilities that Mr. Riley will be assuming as Commissioner, I am recommending that the Board set his salary at an annual rate of $241,000. A motion to that effect is attached.
Salary. The salary of the Commissioner is set at $241,000 per year, minus all lawful withholdings and deductions, effective as of Mr. Riley's start date as Commissioner.
Start date. Mr. Riley will assume his duties as Commissioner, full-time, no later than July 1, 2018, or sooner if his current contract as Receiver for the Lawrence Public Schools is terminated before June 30, 2018 by mutual consent.
Benefits. Mr. Riley is eligible for the standard benefits available to state employees, including four weeks (20 days) of paid vacation leave accrued on an annual basis.
Transition. If, during the first three years as Commissioner, Mr. Riley's employment is terminated for reasons other than job performance, misfeasance, malfeasance, or willful neglect of duty, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would execute a contract with him to provide transition services (consulting with and advising the Board and the then-acting Commissioner) for a period not to exceed three months from termination. Compensation under the contract would be comparable to Mr. Riley's then-current salary rate, per diem, and not including benefits. In consideration for receipt of compensation under the contract, Mr. Riley would provide the Board and the Department with a waiver and release of any claim of rights or damages related to your employment.
Additional terms. A state car will be available for Mr. Riley's use for official business. Alternatively, Mr. Riley may use his personal vehicle to travel on official business and receive reimbursement consistent with state policy. A parking space for Mr. Riley's use will be available at the Department's office in Malden.
It is expected that Mr. Riley will travel out of state from time to time to attend conferences or meetings related to his work as Commissioner, with approval of the Board through the chair or the chair's designee. Mr. Riley will be reimbursed for appropriate, pre-approved travel related expenses consistent with state policy and G.L. c. 268A.
Mr. Riley may continue to teach one evening course per year at Harvard University, so long as this obligation does not conflict with his ability to perform his duties as Commissioner.