Alaska News

Jim Browder named new Anchorage School District superintendent

The Anchorage School District announced Tuesday that Dr. Jim Browder, who previously served as superintendent of schools for a district in Florida, will take over for outgoing ASD Superintendent Carol Comeau when she retires on June 30.

Browder, who comes from a position as superintendent of Lee County Schools in southwestern Florida -- a district that encompasses 82,000 students, over 30,000 more than the 49,000 in Anchorage schools -- beat out Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Steve Atwater for the title.

"Jim is a proven leader who has worked in a district larger than that of Anchorage, managed finances wisely through tough budget cuts and, most important, demonstrated the ability to deliver academic success," School Board President Gretchen Guess said in a prepared statement. "He is absolutely aligned with this board's vision, core values, and commitments and is an outstanding selection."

Browder will be paid $180,000, $15,000 more than current superintendent Comeau is paid. According to ASD, Comeau's salary of $165,000 was the lowest in the nation for an urban district superintendent, and Browder's salary will be well below the national average of $239,000. His initial contract will last three years.

Browder is expected to begin visiting Anchorage beginning in February, with a full transition to begin April 1.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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