The Southern Cayuga Central School District went through half a dozen superintendents since 2000, from acting leaders to interim seat holders and permanent positions, and now a man who stayed to help stabilize the district is moving on.

Charlie Mellor took on the role of business administrator on an interim basis. Six years later, he's ready to hang up his hat.

Superintendent Mary Kay Worth, who came aboard in 2006, says they aim to have a business administrator in place by September, but all depends on the interview process.

The board will take its time to ensure the candidate for the job is a good match with the district, Worth said.

Mellor retired from business years ago, but then became involved with an organization that places retired certified professionals with agencies that needs qualified workers. He was hired after Dana Russell retired after 15 years with the district.

“(Mellor)'s continued to serve through the years to create some stability as there had been many other changes in the district,” Worth said.

District officials advertised the position in March and April, then began the interview process. Applicants are in two categories; those who are certified by the state Education Department, and those who would enter the running through the Cayuga County Civil Service Commission.

The districted posted the salary range as $70,000 to $80,000, but Worth said based on the experience levels of the majority of candidates, the district likely will offer the chosen candidate less pay.

The business administrator handles all the district's finances, such as state aid, the annual budget process and bonds for building projects.

The person would also watch over three areas, transportation and grounds, building maintenance and the cafeteria, and the business office, Worth said.

In other news:

K-8 Self Study Team presented their findings to the Board of Education during its Monday night meeting. The team consists of teachers and administrators who analyze student work, test results and current curriculum to identify the best practice to teach consistently. Team members presented the board with ideas on benchmarks for students learning strategies to align curriculum from teacher to teacher.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext 267 or

jessica.soule@lee.net