Burbank Schools Superintendent Matt Hill is not on the job this week. Instead, Hill is on paid administrative leave. The Burbank School Board made the dramatic move last week following a closed door special meeting a week ago, Wednesday , June 7.
School Board Takes Action During Special Session
In the meeting board members discussed what is listed on the agenda as a performance evaluation Hill. The following day, board President Steve Ferguson sent out an email to the education community announcing the decision to place Hill on paid leave.
Ferguson explains in the letter, “the Board did not take this action lightly. We also know that many of you will have questions.” Nevertheless, Ferguson stated this is a “confidential personnel matter. As a result, our answers to those questions will be limited to respect the Superintendent’s employee privacy rights. “
Controversy Around Matt Hill
However, Ferguson’s email has not stopped the questions, the speculation , and yes, rumors from swirling around Hill. On social media, rumor-has-it-Hill may have been tripped up by an affair with a co-worker. Since it is just a rumor a this point, no more about it will be said here.
No doubt, Hill is in a tough situation , but he is really is no stranger to controversy. Hill’s selection for the superintendent position eight years ago caused in his words, “a little bit of a storm.” Hill came from Los Angeles Unified School District where he was the chief strategy officer. Critics slammed Hill for his lack of experience as an educator and as a classroom teacher. At the time, Hill’s smooth communication and management skills won over the board.
Later, Hill would go on to earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University. Hill received a contract extension from the school board in July of 2022. Hill’s contract runs through June of 2025. His salary and benefits tally out to more than $300,000 annually. Yet, during his tenure, the Burbank Unified School District has struggled. In 2020, the voters turned thumbs down on a second parcel tax attempt, which would have generated millions of much needed dollars for the district. Also in the past two years, reportedly there’s been an exodus of school principals and administrators.
Regular School Board Meeting, Thursday, June 15
Meanwhile, Dr. John Paramo, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, has moved up to Acting Superintendent. At the regular school board meeting Thursday, June 15, the board is scheduled to address “the state of the District and its leadership,” according to Ferguson’s community email.
