A new schools' supremo is being appointed by Essex County Council at £77,000 a year - as teachers are being made redundant.
The post of head of schools is also offering benefits of an extra £10,010 as performance- related pay and will involve overseeing all aspects of learning in the county.
However, despite plans to axe up to 80 teachers and support staff because of a cash crisis, the move was today defended by teaching union, the NUT.
The creation of the post follows the retirement of Paul Lincoln, former director of learning services at Essex County Council. Whoever gets the job will be in charge of one of the nation's biggest local education authorities.
NUT spokesman for the south east Jerry Glazier said he welcomed the new appointment, as the other option was the privatisation of services.
The county has confirmed that schools to be hit by job cuts include some in Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford.
Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, said: "The schools service is part of a much broader education service provided to the whole community."
The news follows several schools in the county issuing redundancy notices to some teachers, blaming the move on a Government budget shortfall.
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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