Monday, August 15, 2016

Harrington to oversee schools' PR

Knox County interim Superintendent Buzz Thomas has hired former KNS business reporter Carly Harrington to serve as the school system's new director of communications and public affairs.

She replaces Melissa Tindell, who recently stepped down. Carly starts Sept. 1 and will earn $90,000. (If I'm not mistaken Melissa pulled in around $95K to $98K.)

To put that in perspective, the county's communication director earns $76,000 - after six years on the job.

And a teacher makes around $40,000.

In a letter, to school board members, Thomas says Harrington was recommended by Mike Cohen (himself), Amy Nolan (Knoxville Chamber) and David Keim (ORNL).

I actually worked with Carly for awhile over at the Sentinel. She's a good pick. 

In addition, Thomas announced that Sara McElfresh will serve as the school system's new open records coordinator.

"Sara's job will be to promptly and accurately respond to all requests for public records," Thomas wrote to board members in an email sent last Thursday. "As you know, this has been a challenge for us."

Heh. He's not kidding about that one.

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