Clark-Pleasant to hire new spokesperson

Clark-Pleasant schools is on the hunt for a new spokesperson after the district eliminated a similar position earlier this year.

Clark-Pleasant schools is planning to hire a communications coordinator after the former community, engagement and technology director left for another job. The pay for the new position will be between $45,000 and $50,000 a year and require a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field, such as English or journalism.

The new employee will serve as a liaison between Clark-Pleasant schools, the media, businesses and civic organizations, and will prepare public statements, presentations and other information, according to the job posting.

The job was posted July 21 and is still on its website. Previously, John Venter served as the district’s spokesperson. With the responsibility of heading the district’s technology department, which included implementing a districtwide data gathering and reporting system, Venter got paid significantly more, earning $96,720 in 2020, according to Indiana Gateway.

Clark-Pleasant schools eliminated Venter’s position in June. Venter now works at Greenwood’s Endress+Hauser as a business systems analyst.

During the July school board meeting, board member Butch Zike questioned the need for a spokesperson, insisting the duties could be split among other employees.

“I think we have enough personnel to take on this role. We have other needs in our school corporation that would trump this one. I just think we have enough people in the central office,” Zike said.

Spray defended the position, explaining the school district needs a central point of contact who can help distribute messages and publicity items to media outlets, businesses and other organizations.

There is no specific time frame for hiring the new communications coordinator, but school officials want to do so as soon as possible, Spray said.