District 303 gets new assistant superintendent
The person selected to replace the St. Charles Unit District 303 leader once described as Superintendent Don Schlomann's second in command comes to the district as the first-ever principal of a middle school in Tennessee.
School board members approved the hiring of Jason Pearson this week. Pearson will fill the position that will be vacated by Brian Harris as of June 30. Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 named Harris its new superintendent months ago. Schlomann described Harris as his second in command several months ago as part of the district's rationale for not leaving Harris's position vacant. Harris was also the district's chief negotiator in teacher contract discussions.
Pearson's first day on the job will be July 1. He will be the district's assistant superintendent for grades six through 12.
Pearson has an extensive background in education. He began as a vocal music teacher overseas after graduating from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. After three years he returned to Tennessee as a vocal music teacher at the elementary school level while pursuing a master's degree. Pearson became a principal at the middle school level in Tennessee after completing his master's. Seven years later he completed a doctorate at Vanderbilt University, focusing on kindergarten through 12th grade educational leadership and organizational policy.
Pearson will earn a base salary of $124,000. The district is also giving him $2,000 in moving expenses. Pearson's contract is for two years.