KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Following Monday night’s regular school board meeting, the board met in executive session for an evaluation of Superintendent Stewart McDonald. KMXT’s Diana Gish has more:
The result of the closed door session was an extension of McDonald’s contract through the year 2012.
Board president Norm Wooten shared the board’s evaluation of the superintendent’s first year.
— (Supt contract 1 :31 "…our superintendent’s performance.")
McDonald’s salary for fiscal year 2010 has been set at 123,500 dollars with increases scheduled for each year of his contract.
— (Supt contract 2 :56 "…consistent with our size.")
Wooten was quick to point out that a superintendent serves at the will of the school board and can be let go at any time. But, he says, the extension of McDonald’s contract sends an important message:
— (Supt contract 3
McDonald said he’s very happy to have the job and the contract.
— (Supt contract 4 :32 "…this is a privilege.")
The superintendent, along with the other district administrators, received a pay raise of 3.5 percent. The percentage increase matches that given to the district’s certified teachers. On Monday the board also approved changes in insurance coverage for all district administrators. The superintendent, as well as the other administrators will now share more of the cost of their own insurance. The new agreement requires that administrators bear 25 percent of their insurance costs as compared to the ten percent they paid in past years. This change is in line with the changes to the certified teacher’s contracts as well. Based on the district’s policy of "the ability to pay" classified employees will continue to pay-in 10 percent of their insurance costs.
Along with extending McDonald’s contract the board set goals for the superintendent to follow.
Those include full implementation of the district’s technology plan in order to enhance learning, using stimulus funds to advance district goals without increasing the budget, and improving communication between the school board, staff and the public.
I’m Diana Gish.
