New superintendent to live in E.B. house
Newly selected Escambia County (Ala.) School Superintendent Michelle McClung will soon be moving into a rental house near W.S. Neal Elementary and Middle School in East Brewton after the school board approved a rental agreement on board-owned property.
The house is located at 601 Williamson St., near both schools.
School Board Attorney Kirk Garrett told the school board Tuesday that it had to receive a fair market value on the rent according to state law.
It was also noted that the house is in need of a lot of repairs, including new appliances.
Board Member Danny Benjamin asked whose responsibility would it be to fix the things that need to be done at the house.
Garrett, referring to McClung, who was attending her first meeting as superintendent, said she agreed to make the improvements.
Garrett gave the board a list of fair market rental prices for properties in East Brewton but agreed that those quotes came from people who have not been inside the house.
Board Member Mike Edwards said the goal was to get the new superintendent settled in Escambia County, noting she doesn't need to keep commuting from Mobile.
“I've been in that house and it's not worth $600 to $700 per month,” Edwards said. “It's a 1960s home with no improvements.”
“This has gotten way too complicated,” Edwards added. “I'm excited with her living next to two schools in East Brewton.”
Edwards proposed $500 per month rent with McClung doing the up grades and she pay the utilities.
On the advice of Board Attorney Broox Garrett, he said a written contract is needed and the board agreed to a 1-year contract with either party able to cancel the contract with 30 days notice.
“I will leave the property in better shape than I found it,” McClung said.
The board then voted unanimously to rent the house to McClung for $500 per month, with the stipulations she makes the necessary repairs.
