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Public and board debate proposed boost to superintendent’s pay; no vote taken
Summary
A proposal reported in local media to increase Superintendent Leonard’s salary by roughly $55,000 drew public comment and divided board reaction; several members said optics and budget constraints make a large immediate raise unlikely and that any change should be phased or tied to employee compensation.
A proposal reported to include a roughly $55,000 increase in Superintendent Leonard’s pay prompted public comment and board discussion on May 2, 2025, but the board did not take formal action.
Desiree Warren, a resident, said she recognizes the superintendent “is deserving of a raise” but asked the board to consider why $55,000 would be proposed when many district employees face pay pressures. Warren told the board that some employees work two or three jobs to make ends meet and said the board should remember employees when considering any superintendent salary change.
Board members’ remarks reflected concern about optics and district budget constraints. Mister Harrow, School Board member, said a $50,000 raise “is not in the cards at this time” and called such a jump “bad optics for our community.” Mister Fetzko, School Board member, and Mister Adams, School Board member, both expressed support for the superintendent’s performance but said larger increases should be considered in tandem with raises for classroom and support staff. Adams noted the superintendent’s contract currently sets a base salary and said increments tied to annual evaluation and district-wide compensation adjustments could be a path forward.
At the meeting, Mister Harrow referenced contractual details raised during discussion: he said Superintendent Leonard’s contract listed a salary of $172,250 and that the contract includes travel allowances and potential performance-related incentives. Board members noted that under the contract matrix the superintendent could be eligible for an evaluation-based increase in December tied to other administrative raises, commonly in the range of a few percent.
No motion to change the superintendent’s salary was introduced or voted on during the May 2 meeting. Several board members said they would discuss the topic further, including the possibility of incremental adjustments tied to district negotiations and employee raises. Superintendent Leonard did not receive a board-approved salary change that night.
Speakers and board members asked staff to consider legally defensible approaches that would balance competitive pay for district leadership with fairness to teachers and support staff; board members said they expected further discussion before any salary action.
