Board members Stephanie White and Rex Northrup argued that Cannon’s experience deserved higher pay, putting her on par with executive directors for similar organizations around the state. White also pointed out that Cannon is not accepting health insurance, saving the Trust more than $ 6,000.
David Peaden and Lumon May argued that the board should stick to the advertised salary and raise Cannon if she turns around the organization.
The salary passed 6-3, with May, Peaden, and David Williams voting no.
The board also added new language to the provider contracts, adding a nepotism clause, clawbacks if failed projects, penalties for late reports, creating a sustainability plan after the award expires, and turning over all equipment and supplies after a contract expires.
Not presented at the meeting were more standard measurements of outcomes and a memorandum with the Escambia County Public Schools giving the Trust access to participants grades, test scores and attendance records, which would help measure outcomes more objectively.