Heated debate regarding Collier County superintendent’s contract

Reporter: Michelle Alvarez Writer: Matias Abril
Published: Updated:
Two incumbents up for reelection for Collier County School Board

The Collier County School board hotly debated the hiring of Dr. Leslie Riccardelli. Now the superintendent’s contract is up for negotiation, and things haven’t cooled.

Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli’s contract as interim superintendent expires at the end of the month. For others, there’s a legal matter they say should take precedence.

Leslie Ricciardelli grew up in Collier County, graduated from Collier County schools, has worked for the district for more than 25 years, and is the school board’s choice to be its next superintendent, but she does not yet have a contract.

“She wants to be here, we want her, why are we going to have to pay her a little bit more money?” said Tim Moshier, Collier County Public Schools board member, District 5. “And she’ll be here for a while. Let’s knock it down a little bit and go with the two-year contract.”

Moshier did not want Ricciardelli in the first place.

Now he’s fighting against a proposed contract that would pay her at least $305,000 a year, for three years.

“Mr. Moshier, if your selection for superintendent was selected, look, I can’t not say it, it’s really disheartening to see nickel and diming happening,” said Stephanie Lucarelli, CCPS board member, District 2. “We’re talking about the superintendent, the lead person for this district.”

Fellow board member Stephanie Lucarelli made it clear she does not believe Ricciardelli should have to give Collier County schools a hometown discount.

As for members of the public at Monday’s school board workshop?

“No one should be penalized for living in the place where they’re being hired,” said Kate Tardif, Naples resident.

“Little less money, shorter contract, so we can see what type of performance comes about,” said Dan Cook, Naples resident.

The legal matter?

Alfie Oakes is suing the school board, saying Collier County schools violated sunshine laws when it narrowed their list of superintendent candidates.

The businessman wants a judge to prevent the district from finalizing a contract with Ricciardelli.

Tim Moshier argued today that the board should at least wait until the judge rules before doing a deal.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.