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Board approves three-year contract for incoming superintendent Dr. Steven Heil
Summary
The board approved a three-year contract for Dr. Steven Heil, effective July 1, 2025, including a multi-year salary schedule, relocation stipend contingent on district residency and other benefits.
The Albert Lea Public School District board on Monday approved a three-year contract for incoming superintendent Dr. Steven Heil, effective July 1, 2025.
Board staff member Ashley presented the contract and confirmed it is effective July 1, 2025, for three years and includes salary and benefits information previously shared with the board. "So tonight we are presenting the superintendent contract for Dr. Steven Heil, effective 07/01/2025. This is a 3 year contract and includes the salary and benefits that were shared with the board last week," Ashley said.
Board members raised a question about the contract's duration clause and notification procedures. One director asked that the board and superintendent reach an understanding about the process and timing for renewal or nonrenewal and said current recommended language from the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) requires clearer notice provisions. The director noted the concern but did not block approval.
Ashley outlined the compensation package shared with the board. The contract lists a base salary of $185,000 in the first contract year (fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025), approximately $186,850 in the second year, and $190,587 in the third year. The contract provides 25 vacation days annually with limited carryover, 12 holidays, a beginning balance of disability/sick time (20 days) and additional sick-time terms in later years, health, dental and vision benefits, $500,000 life insurance, a relocation stipend of $15,000 payable over the three contract years if the superintendent relocates within the district boundary, a monthly communication stipend of $100 and a tax-sheltered annuity match up to $6,500 annually. Ashley told the board the total package is lower than that of the previous superintendent.
Board members clarified the relocation stipend condition. Chair Klotz confirmed the district will not pay the relocation stipend if the superintendent does not relocate inside the district boundary by the specified date in the contract. "If they don't live within the district boundaries, they're not eligible," a board member stated during discussion.
A motion to approve the superintendent contract was made, seconded and passed by voice vote. Chair Klotz announced the vote and said the contract is approved.
