Salinas Union High School District will spend over a half-million dollars on two leadership roles.

On Sept. 24, the board of Salinas Union High School District unanimously approved contracts for two top administrators. There’s Zandra Jo Galván, the newly hired superintendent, who brings 31 years of experience in education, most recently eight years as the superintendent of Greenfield Union School District. There’s also Dan Burns, the newly retired SUHSD superintendent, who will continue in a leadership role on “special assignment.”

“This [special] assignment will support the elimination of multiple outside consultants, saving a district over $300,000 each year,” Board President Tracy Filice said during the meeting.

In these two roles combined, the district will spend $615,172. Burns will continue with his current salary, $307,172 annually for three years, while Galván will earn $308,000 per year, also on a three-year contract.

These salaries raised questions at Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers. The union is now beginning negotiations, and President Kati Bassler indicated in a letter to members that it will be a talking point. “Yes, you have read that correctly – $615,000 in salary for two people to do the work of one,” she wrote.

Burns announced last spring he would step down, citing a health issue. During his eight-year tenure, Burns oversaw the construction and opening of Rancho San Juan High School, built wellness centers on campuses across the district and faced several race-related controversies that brought the district national media attention after a video showed students stomping on or posing with a mutilated Black doll.

In his new role, Burns will help with the leadership transition, represent the district at state meetings and advise the district on staff and facilities needs.

Galván’s position includes making recommendations to the board on personnel matters, and day-to-day management.

“I can’t wait to listen and learn from our Spanish-speaking community as well as our English-speaking communities and agencies,” Galván said to the board.