Deputy Superintendent

Employment Agreement Between The West Chester Area School District And Dr. Kalia Reynolds
 

THIS AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into this 29th day of May, 2024, by and between the WEST CHESTER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT (the “School District”) with offices located at 782 Springdale Drive, Exton, Pennsylvania, 19341 and KALIA REYNOLDS), (hereinafter “Dr. Reynolds” or “Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer”).

WHEREAS, Dr. Reynolds was appointed as Assistant Superintendent by virtue of a Board action and entry into an Employment Agreement between the School District and Dr. Reynolds dated July 26, 2021 (hereinafter referred to as Original Employment Agreement;

WHEREAS, on January 23, 2023 the School District entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Original Employment Agreement to provide for terms and provisions applicable for Dr. Reynolds acting into capacity as Substitute or Acting Superintendent as the result of the unexpected medical leave of Dr. Robert Sokolowski, former Superintendent of Schools (herein Amendment to Original Employment Agreement);

WHEREAS, the Amendment to the Original Employment Agreement became technically moot as the result of the School District engaging Dr. David E. Christopher as Superintendent of Schools by virtue of an Agreement dated September 26, 2023;  

WHEREAS, as the result of the foregoing, on or about January 1, 2024, Dr. Reynolds became subject once again to the Original Employment Agreement that was slated to expire on June 30, 2026;

WHEREAS, as the result of an administrative reorganization proposed by current Superintendent Dr. David E. Christopher and with the concurrence of the West Chester Area School District Board of School Directors, Dr. Reynolds’ job description was to be modified from being Assistant Superintendent of the School District to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer at the District carrying with it a new job description;

WHEREAS, as a result of the foregoing, the parties mutually agree that pursuant to Section E(4), below, this Agreement supersedes Dr. Reynolds’ Original Employment Agreement and applies as Dr. Reynolds’ new Employment Agreement for the newly created role of Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer of the School District;

WHEREAS, the District at a regularly scheduled meeting, duly and properly called as of the 29th day of May, 2024, upon nomination of the Superintendent, did hereby appoint Dr. Reynolds to the position of Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer of the School District in accordance with the provisions of Section 5-508, 10-1073, 10-1073.1, 10-1076, and 10-1077 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended;  

Section A. Terms Of Employment

1. Employment and Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective on July 1, 2024, for a period of five (5) years ending on June 30, 2029.

(a) The School Board shall notify the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer in writing by certified mail, no later than ninety (90) days.

(b) prior to the expiration date of this Agreement of the School Boards intent not to reappoint her. Should the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer not be so notified, she shall be reappointed at the next regular board meeting following the ninety (90) day notification requirement for a term of one year, and the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be incorporated into a successor Agreement unless mutually agreed otherwise by the School Board and the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer.

2. Qualifications. Dr. Reynolds covenants that she presently possesses, and will take all necessary action to continue to possess, all legal qualifications to serve as the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer during the Term of this Agreement. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall obtain a valid or current commission from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

3. Duties of Employment and Professional Growth

(a) Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be responsible for performing the job duties contained in Appendix “A,” which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer agrees to perform her duties in a competent and professional manner, and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the applicable law, the School Code, and the Policies, Rules and Regulations adopted by the School Board for the government of the School District. The duties may be changed by the School Board or the Superintendent after furnishing Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer with the opportunity to provide input concerning such changes.

(b) The School Board encourages Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer to continue professional growth through participation in programs conducted or sponsored by school-related local, state and national organizations and associations; seminars offered by public or private institutions; informational meetings; and visits to other institutions and school entities. Subject to prior recommendation of and pre-approval in writing by the Superintendent, the School District shall: (1) permit a reasonable amount of time for Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer to attend to such events; and (2) pay for the reasonable fees for travel, registration and subsistence expenses upon presentation of satisfactory documentation of the same and in accordance with the procedures set forth by the School District.

(c) The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall not have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the sale to or the lease by the School District of any supplies, equipment or services.

4. Compensation.

(a) Base Salary. The School District agrees to pay to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer a base salary at an annual rate of Two Hundred FortyFive Thousand dollars ($245,000.00) less legally required withholdings for the 2024-2025 school year. Salary for subsequent contract years under the Term of this Agreement shall be determined using the applicable provisions of the School District’s Act 93 agreement, as it exists at the time of entering into this Agreement (“Act 93 Agreement”). The School District Administrator Plan adopted pursuant to Section 11.1164 of the School Code (“Act 93 Plan”). A copy of the Act 93 Agreement is attached hereto as Appendix “B” and incorporated herein by reference. Subsequent amendments or changes to the Act 93 Plan shall have no effect on the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s salary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the School Board in its discretion may increase the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s base salary consistent with market trends within its discretion. Any adjustment in compensation for the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer is predicated upon the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer achieving a proficient performance evaluation for the previous year.

(b) Variable Rate Compensation. Variable rate compensation for the 20242025 school year shall equal Eleven Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($11,100.00). In each of the successive contract years during the Term, the increase in variable rate compensation pool of funds shall be adjusted based on the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s salary adjustment under the Act 93 Plan. The variable rate compensation shall not be cumulative; however the increase in the variable rate compensation shall be cumulative. The variable rate compensation shall be paid, if authorized by the Superintendent, on an annual basis after completion of Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s annual performance review. The variable rate compensation paid to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be authorized by the Superintendent based on the performance of goals as determined by the Superintendent. The variable rate compensation is intended by the School District to qualify as regular compensation for purposes of the Public School Employees Retirement System (“PSERS”). Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall have no right to receive additional compensation available under the Act 93 Plan, including but not limited to compensation in the form of a Performance Goals Merit Bonus.

The variable increase shall be awarded based on the following performance assessment rating: 

Rate of Performance Incentive Compensation	Performance Rating Achieved
100%	Exemplary (3.0 - 4.0)
75%	Proficient (2.5 - 2.9)
50%	Proficient (2.0 - 2.4)
25%	Progressing (1.0 - 1.9)
0%	Not meeting standards (Below 1.0)

 

5. Benefits

(a) Benefits under Act 93 Plan. Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be eligible for all benefits (excluding compensation adjustments) provided under the Act 93 Plan, except as otherwise expressly provided herein. Under no circumstances shall the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer be eligible for duplicative benefits. To the extent that there is any inconsistency or conflict between the benefits in this Agreement and the benefits provided to any other District Administrator under the Act 93 Plan, the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall receive the benefit or the benefit restrictions established in this Agreement. To the extent that a benefit is not mentioned in this Agreement that is contained in the Act 93 Plan, other than an early retirement incentive plan, salary adjustment or a similar type of modification, Dr. Reynolds will be entitled to receive such benefit as part of her benefits package. It is understood, however, that the Act 93 Plan may be amended or modified by the District during the Term of this Agreement. Nothing contained herein shall preclude the School District from providing additional benefits to the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer as may be agreed to by the Parties.

(i) Subsequent amendments or changes to the Act 93 Agreement during the Term of this Agreement shall not impact or change the benefits and compensation to be paid to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer under the terms of this Agreement.

(b) Benefits Prescribed by Law. The School District shall provide Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer all benefits required by the School Code and any applicable law to be paid or provided.

Section B. Benefits Provisions

1. Vacation Leave. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be credited with thirty (30) paid vacation days each school year, which shall be credited in full on July 1, 2024, and July 1 of every subsequent year of this Agreement.   Unused vacation days shall be carried over from school year to school year, provided that the combined balance of available vacation days shall not exceed thirty-five (35) days on July 1 of any year of this Agreement. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be permitted to use vacation days at any time when school is not in session. When school is in session, the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer may use vacation days only with prior written approval of the Superintendent.

(a) To the extent unused vacation days cannot be carried over in any school year without exceeding the maximum limit of thirty-five (35) available days, the School District shall make a non-elective contribution to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s 403(b) plan in an amount equal to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s then current per diem rate of pay for each excess unused vacation day, up to a maximum of fifteen (15) days. To the extent such contribution, when aggregated with other contributions for the year would exceed the maximum permitted by law, the excess shall be contributed in the subsequent year or years, subject to all restrictions imposed by law. Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s “per diem rate of pay,” as the term is used throughout this Agreement, shall be calculated by dividing the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s then current annual salary by 240.

(b) Upon the termination of this Agreement, provided that the parties have not entered into another employment agreement and provided that this Agreement has not been terminated by the School District for cause, the School District shall make a non-elective contribution to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s 403(b) plan in an amount equal to Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s then current per diem rate of pay for each unused vacation day up to a maximum of thirty-five (35) days. To the extent such contribution, when aggregated with other contributions for the year would exceed the maximum permitted by law, the excess shall be contributed in the subsequent year or years, subject to all restrictions imposed by law. There is no cash option for such payment for unused vacation leave.

(c) In addition to vacation leave, the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall receive, with full pay, all holidays available to twelve-month administrators covered under the School District’s Act 93 Plan, so long she is employed, excepting, however, years where she is serving less than a full year when compensation and benefits are prorated.

2. Bereavement Leave. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be permitted to take five (5) bereavement days annually. Bereavement leave shall not be taken unless authorized by the Superintendent.

3. Sick Leave. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be entitled to of twelve (12) days of paid sick leave each school year of the Term and which shall be credited in full on July 1, 2024, and July 1 of every subsequent year of this Agreement. Unused sick days shall be cumulative without limit. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall notify the Superintendent when absent on sick leave.

4. Medical, Prescription, Vision, and Dental Insurance. The School District shall provide the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, her spouse, and eligible dependents medical insurance coverage and benefits, including, but not limited to, hospitalization, physician coverage, major medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental coverage, under the same terms and conditions as provided to School District administrators under the School District’s Act 93 Plan and including contributions to a Health Savings Account or Health Retirement Account, if applicable. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall have the right, at her sole discretion, to select coverage under any of the plans offered by the School District to any School District administrator.

5. Life Insurance. The School District shall provide and pay the cost of a term life insurance policy in the amount equal to three (3) times the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s annual base salary rounded to the nearest hundred, plus Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00). The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall have the sole right to determine the beneficiary of such policy.

6. Transportation. The School District shall reimburse the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer for transportation expenses in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service’s current mileage allowance for use of Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s vehicle when used for transportation relating to the performance of her duties under this Agreement.

7. Equipment. The School District shall reimburse the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer for the monthly cost of a telephone plan, not to exceed One-Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per month, during the Term of this Agreement.

8. Professional Development and Continuing Education. The School District shall pay the full enrollment cost for all professional development courses and continuing education courses taken by the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer during this Agreement; provided that such courses are approved in advance and in writing by the Superintendent and subject to repayment by the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer for any course in which the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer fails to receive a final passing grade or otherwise successfully complete.

9. Professional Memberships. Subject to Superintendent approval, the School District shall pay the cost of the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s annual membership to participate in professional associations including but not limited to, the American Association of School Administrators, the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The School District recognizes the obligation to professional growth and development provided by these affiliations and encourages and permits the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer to participate actively.

10. Outside Engagements. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall devote her full time, attention, energies, skills and labor to her employment with the School District during the Term of this Agreement; however, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer may undertake consultative work, speaking engagements, writing, lecturing, adjunct teaching or other professional services which are of a short-term duration as approved in writing by the Superintendent. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall not engage in professional services which will result in a conflict of interest with the performance of her duties under this Agreement.

11. Retirement Benefits. Provided the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer permanently retires from the School District under the provision of PSERS, the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be entitled to the healthcare identified under the then current Act 93 Plan for seven years from the date of her retirement until her attainment of Medicare eligibility, whichever is earlier. Continued coverage shall be subject to payment of that share of premium clauses as paid by then current administrators. The Retirement Benefit shall not be available to the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer in the event her employment with the District is terminated for cause pursuant to the School Code. This provision shall survive the termination of the Agreement.

12. Longevity Incentive. The School District shall make an annual payment to a tax shelter for the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer under the following schedule so long as the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer remains employed as of the date of the contribution. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be eligible for a $10,000.00 contribution on July 1, 2024; the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be eligible for a $10,000.00 contribution on July 1, 2025; the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be eligible for a $20,000.00 contribution on July 1, 2026; the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be eligible for a $20,000 contribution on July 1, 2027; the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be eligible for a $20,000 contribution on July 1, 2028 and the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be eligible for a $20,000 contribution on June 30, 2029. For purposes of this Agreement, the longevity incentive shall not be considered part of the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s annual salary.

13. Salary Continuation for Extended Illness/Disability. Eligibility for this benefit begins the first of the month coincident with or next following date of employment. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall receive sixty percent (60%) of her then-current salary up to $6,000 total monthly income paid until age 65, after a 30-day elimination period or exhaustion of all accumulated sick banks, whichever is greater.

14. Participation in the 457(b) Plan. The District shall make an annual contribution into the District’s 457(b) deferred compensation plan for the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer as provided in the Act 93 Agreement but not less than 2.86% of annual salary.

15. Tuition Reimbursement for Graduate Credits. Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer may receive reimbursement for graduate credits contingent on the pre-approval of graduate courses by the Superintendent and the following:

(a) Courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or better

(b) Costs per credit hour for graduate courses reimbursed at 100 percent up to $640.00 per credit, subject to adjustments in the per credit rate recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board based on survey information.

(c) No more than fifteen (15) credits may be taken during any school year, July 1 through June 30.

16. Meetings, Conventions and Conferences. The duties of the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer require her presence at meetings, conventions, and conferences in order that she can maintain awareness of current education-related issues and information. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall have the right to attend regional, state and national meetings, conventions and conferences for the purpose of professional development upon approval of the Superintendent. The District considers the expenses involved in such activities to be directly related to her duties and appropriate for reimbursement. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be reimbursed for all costs associated with such meetings, conventions and conferences including registration, travel, food and lodging in accordance with School District policies and procedures applicable to other District administrators.

17. Holidays. The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be entitled to 11 holidays each fiscal year; New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Commemorative; LincolnWashington Commemorative; Memorial Day, Good Friday, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (2) and Christmas (2).

18. Waiver of Right to Sabbatical Leave. To the extent that Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer otherwise would be eligible for a sabbatical leave, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer waives any and all rights to take a sabbatical leave, pursuant to the School Code, as amended.

19. Signing Bonus. On or before July 15, 2024, Dr. Reynolds will be paid a one-time $7,500.00 signing bonus, less legally required withholdings, as compensation for unused provisions in her prior agreement. This bonus will not be considered part of Dr. Reynolds’ base salary and will not be eligible for PSERS. 

Section C. Performance

1. Assessment of Performance.

(a) The School Board, through the Superintendent, shall evaluate in writing the performance of Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer once a year during the Term of this Agreement, no later than September 1st of each year, unless the parties mutually agree in writing on another date for the annual evaluation. The objective performance standards set forth herein shall be used as the basis of the evaluation.

(b) The performance assessment shall be used for the following purposes:

(i) To strengthen the working relationship among the Board, the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer;

(ii) To evaluate performance consistent with job description responsibilities;

(iii) To discuss and establish goals and objective performance standards for the ensuing year; and

(iv) To establish the basis for possible increases in the base salary for the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer or the receipt of any variable compensation.

(c) The School Board and Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer hereby agree to the objective performance standards attached hereto as Appendix “C” and incorporated herein by reference. The objective performance standards may be updated as necessary on or before October 1st of each school year of this Agreement or within thirty (30) days of the release of state assessment date, unless another date is mutually agreed upon by the parties. The School Board shall post the objective performance standards on the School District’s website. The School Board shall annually post the date of the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s annual performance assessment and whether or not the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer met the agreed upon objective performance standards. 

Section D. Termination Of Employment Agreement

1. Termination of Agreement Prior to Expiration. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the Term of this Agreement as follows: 

(a) Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be subject to discharge and termination of this Agreement for valid and just cause for the reasons specified in Section 1080 of the School Code. The School Board shall provide the opportunity for a hearing before the School Board or before a hearing officer designated by the School Board. Upon termination for cause, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be entitled only to such salary and benefits which Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer had earned in accordance with this Agreement prior to the effective date of her termination.

(b) This Agreement may be unilaterally terminated without penalty by the resignation of Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer at any time, provided Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer gives the School Board at least ninety (90) days’ written notice prior to the effective date of the resignation. Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be entitled to all the salary and benefits to which Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer is entitled in accordance with this Agreement through the effective date of her resignation and termination of this Agreement and any applicable post-employment and retirement benefits provided for in this Agreement, contingent upon the provision of the ninety (90) days’ written notice prior to the effective date of resignation. The School Board may in its sole discretion waive the notification period under this provision. 

(c) This Agreement may be terminated by the written mutual written consent of the parties, in which case Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer shall be entitled to all the salary and benefits to which Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer is entitled in accordance with this Agreement through the effective date of termination of this Agreement, including any post-employment and retirement benefits as may be  applicable and any additional amount mutually agreed upon by the School Board and Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer. 

(d) This Agreement shall be terminated upon the death of the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, at which time, the District shall pay to the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s surviving spouse, or if no surviving spouse to the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s estate and/or heirs all of the salary and benefits the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer earned, accrued, and/or is entitled to under this Agreement through the date of the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s death. The District shall also provide the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer’s spouse and eligible dependents with healthcare benefits as required by law. 

2. Buy-Out/Severance. On or after July 1, 2027, the Board at its sole discretion may terminate this Agreement unilaterally prior to the expiration of the Term of this Agreement.  However, the Board must provide the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer with ninety (90) days’ notice of its intention to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph, during which 90-day notice period, the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Office shall continue to receive all compensation, salary and other benefits set forth in this Agreement. In addition, the District shall pay the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer a severance amount equivalent to her then-current annual salary and benefits, subject to the limitations set forth in the Public School Code. 

Section E. Section D: Miscellaneous

1. Severability. Each covenant and agreement in this Agreement shall for all purposes be construed as a separate and independent covenant or agreement. In the event any provision of this Agreement is declared invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable by final decision of a court of this Commonwealth, said provision shall be deemed deleted from this Agreement and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect if not otherwise affected by said deletion.

2. Indemnification. The School District shall defend, hold harmless and indemnify Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer from any and all demands, claims, suits, actions and legal proceedings brought against her in her individual capacity, or in her official capacity as agent and employee of the School District, provided the incident giving rise to such claim or action arose while Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer was acting within the scope of employment under this Agreement, and excluding illegal and/or criminal activity, and provided the School Board has liability coverage against such claims or actions. However, in no case, will individual Board Members be considered personally liable for indemnifying Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer against such demands, claims, suits, action and legal proceedings. Nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver of the School District’s obligation set forth in Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8541 et. seq.

3. No Waiver. The failure of any party to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any rights in respect thereof, or the exercise of or failure to exercise by any party any rights or any of its elections herein provided, shall in no way be considered to be a waiver of such provisions, rights, or elections in the future or in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement.

4. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter covered herein, and consolidates and includes all other discussions, negotiations, proposals, and agreements and supersedes any other agreement between the parties. Each of the parties has entered into this Agreement in reliance upon only the provisions contained herein and not upon any external representations by any party. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by agreement of the parties hereto and memorialized in a written instrument executed by the parties. Termination, severance and buyout provisions shall not be modified during the course of the Agreement or in the event the Agreement is terminated prematurely.

5. Successors and Assigns. Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer may not assign, in whole or in part, this Agreement or her rights, duties, obligations, responsibilities or compensation to any person or entity, unless approved in writing by the School Board. This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties, as well as their heirs, executors and administrators.

6. Notices. Any notice required by this Agreement shall be effective upon hand delivery, or, if mailed to the other party (does not include electronic mail or other electronic means), the date postmarked, to the parties at the following addresses (or to such other addresses as any party may specify in a notice to the other): 

IF TO THE SCHOOL BOARD OR SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Board of School Directors
West Chester Area School District
782 Springdale Drive
Exton, PA 19341
IF TO DR. KALIA REYNOLDS: ______________________ ______________________ 

7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

8. Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals on the day set forth above.

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF
WEST CHESTER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
By:
Name: Karen Fleming
Title: President, Board of School Directors

By:
Name: Linda Cherashore
Title: Secretary, Board of School Directors

DR. KALIA REYNOLDS 

Appendix A - West Chester Area School District Position Description

POSITION TITLE: Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer
DEPARTMENT: Management Team
FLSA: Exempt
DATE: February 26, 2024
LOCATION: Administration Building 

Summary

The Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer reports directly to the Superintendent and performs the following primary responsibilities:

• Provides visionary leadership and establishes, communicates, and operationalizes a clear, system wide, research-based vision for a world-class, culturally proficient and equity-based core instructional program and services that meet the diverse needs of all students, including English language learners and multilingual education; students receiving special education services and those eligible for gifted and talented services and resources.
• Provides direct supervision to leaders responsible for Pre-K-12 and Career and College Readiness Districtwide Programs and Services; Special Education and related business and related services; and English Learners and Multilingual Education Services.
• Manages, plans, directs, organizes, coordinates, implements, monitors, and assesses all districtwide educational and instructional programs, policies, accreditation and procedures for pre-kindergarten/early childhood and Kindergarten - Grade 12.
• Identifies, develops, implements, assesses, and evaluates programs and service that serve to promote student development with a particular emphasis on intercultural competency, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all students K-12.
• Collaborates with others to manage and equitably allocate grant and federal programs resources; strategically and organically integrate educational technology in all aspects of the curriculum and instructional program; and ensure the instructional resources reflect aligned assessment and accountability measures.
• Facilitates the planning, implementation and evaluation of all related professional development.
• Engages staff and community stakeholders to identify and accomplish strategic priorities and initiatives through collaborative opportunities to improve student academic success and overall student and school experiences.
• Administers multi-tiered system of interventions to improve achievement of students who are not meeting grade-level expectations.
• Designs innovative subject, classroom, and whole-school instructional programs to increase staff capacity and student learning.
   

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports directly to and works collaboratively with the Superintendent.
• Responsible indirectly for elementary administrators.
• Responsible directly for the Director of Elementary Education, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Equity, and the Director of Pupil Services.
• Works cooperatively with other administrators and staff to perform job responsibilities as outlined.
• Indirectly leads, manages, and collaborates with supervisors, and curriculum leaders.
• Works cooperatively with administrators, staff, parents, students, community members, Board members, and other outside contacts to perform duties as outlined.
   

Terms of Employment:

1. 12 month position

2. Salary and benefits are as described in the Administrative Compensation Plan of the West Chester Area School District and Agreement for employment. 

Qualification and Physical Requirements:

To successfully perform this position, a person must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualification requirements listed below represent minimum levels of educational achievement, training, skill and/or ability necessary.

• Letter of Eligibility
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the development of K-12 curriculum, programming and in leading high quality professional development.
• Extensive knowledge of assessment of common core standards and professional development, K-12.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in K-12 education and scheduling.
• Extensive experience in the areas of developing equitable instruction, cross cultural competency, diversity, inclusion and belonging in schools.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals
• Possess effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with other administrators, teachers, parents, students, Board members, support staff, colleagues, and outside professional contacts
• Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts; ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; proficiency in the use of technology for individual and system management, communication, and research; proficiency in presentation technology to enhance small and large group information and demonstration sessions
• Skills in coordinating and evaluating staff use of technology

Qualified candidate will be required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and to talk and hear; Sit and occasionally be required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel and crouch; Have specific vision abilities, to include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus; Have the ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; and possess effective communication, judgmental, planning and human relations skills, and will be required to work under periods of stress due to the level of the position responsibility.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

This list is intended to be illustrative rather than complete and serves to show major duties and responsibilities and does not express or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent in this position. The employee will be required to be consistently at work and perform any other position-related duties requested by the superintendent.

Comprehensive Planning And K-12 Duties:

1. Assumes leadership of the District during Superintendent’s absence. 

2. Serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors for the Pupil Services, Education, and Policy Committees.

3. Chairs the Instructional Cabinet.

4. Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates the district’s comprehensive plan and K-12 district programming.

5. Indirectly develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates the district’s K-12 equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives for students through his/her leadership role on the Instructional Cabinet and Instructional Leadership Team.

6. Indirectly develops, implements and evaluates curriculum through his/her leadership on the Instructional Cabinet and Instructional Leadership Team.

7. Develops and supervises grants for curriculum, instructional and district programming.

8. Keeps abreast of latest developments and legal opinions in all areas of supervision and informs administrators and staff.

9. Indirectly coordinates the development and implementation of the District Teacher Induction Program K-12.

10.. Serves on the School Board Education Committee and other district committees as needed.

11. Observes and provides input to the evaluation of staff members in all school programs as needed.

12. Indirectly organizes and conducts the Act 48 Professional Development Plan, and the District Professional Development programs.

13. Prepares budgets for each service and/or function under his/her responsibility and controls expenditures within the established budget limitations.

14. Coordinates K-12 district programming.

15. Represents the District on committees and at meetings and conferences related to assigned responsibilities.

16. Supervises the development, facilitation, planning and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.

17. Conducts observations and site visits to ensure curriculum and program implementation.

18. Responsible for District assessment and testing programs.

19. Performs other duties as directed by the Superintendent.

20. Supports administrators, supervisors, curriculum leaders, and staff in the planning and evaluation of professional development. Makes all recommendations to the superintendent for changes in professional development and the assessment of professional development.

21. Monitors professional development with district administrators to ensure that all professional development activities meet the criteria standards as outlined by Act 48, the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership guidelines, the National Staff Development Councils’ Standards for Professional Development, Pennsylvania Academic Standards and is research-based.

22. Confers with Instructional Cabinet, Supervisors, Curriculum Leaders, and principals to monitor student assessment data to help identify areas of need for future professional development.

23. Helps to plan and schedule sessions for in-service days with curriculum leaders, supervisors, and principals.

24. Reviews the professional development evaluation forms and develops reports based on staff feedback from the evaluation database.

25. Attends meetings to support focused professional development and facilitates learning communities to align with district and school goals.

26. Participates in state and nation-wide opportunities to continue personal professional development.

27. Maintains an a w a r e n e s s of trends; anticipates and researches current topics of interest to a wide range of educators. The West Chester Area School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.

DEC 2/2024 

 

Pursuant to 1073.1(b.1) of Pennsylvania’s Public School Code of 1949, the Board of Directors is required to post the mutually agreed upon objective performance standards contained in the deputy superintendent’s contract on the district’s publicly accessible website. Upon completion of the annual performance assessment, the Board of Directors is required to post the date of the assessment and whether the district deputy superintendent has met the objective performance standards.

The West Chester Area Board of School Directors rated the performance to date of Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kalia Reynolds as distinguished. 

7/15/2025 Date

Karen R. Fleming