Pleasant Valley board approves human-resources package including 3.5% superintendent raise over some objections

The Pleasant Valley School District Board of Education on Aug. 14 approved a slate of personnel and budget items that included a 3.5% pay increase for Superintendent Dr. Conrad, drawing formal objection from at least two board members during discussion.

Human Resources Director Missus Fung asked the board to approve items 8b through 8h on the consent agenda, including the superintendent’s pay adjustment. “Yes. Good evening. And I am seeking approval of item 8 b through 8 h,” she told the board before the vote.

The superintendent raise was the subject of the most sustained comment during debate. Board member Mister Berger said he could not support a 3.5% increase and read portions of the evaluation and district data as the basis for his vote. “It says improved student performance and achievement … our current data indicates significant challenges,” Berger said, and later told the board, “It is due to these 3 that I will be voting no to a 3.5 raise.”

Solictor Mark Fitzgerald addressed a related public question about why increases for some administrators appeared on the agenda and others did not, explaining that one contract approved by the board in September 2021 built in performance-based increases. “Doctor Howard has within her contract that was approved by the board back in 2021 … therefore, the board does not need to take any further action on it,” Fitzgerald said.

After the discussion, the motion to approve items 8b–8h — moved by Mister Berger and seconded by Mister Clark — carried. The board record shows at least two members opposed the 8b measure. Board members who spoke in favor noted the evaluation process and the superintendent’s responses to prior board feedback when justifying support.

Why this matters: school-district personnel decisions affect the operating budget and are closely watched by staff and families, especially when board members cite continuing academic and operational shortfalls during a raise debate. Board members also discussed transparency, posting of contracts and collective bargaining agreements on the district website, and community questions submitted in advance of the meeting.

Votes at a glance - Minutes and agenda (07/24/2025 minutes and 08/14/2025 agenda): approved (motion by Mister Walter; second by Missus Zipp). - Human-resources items 8b–8h (includes superintendent pay increase): approved; motion carried after debate (mover: Mister Berger; second: Mister Clark); at least two named dissenting votes recorded in discussion. - Consent and operational packages (items 9b–9I, 10a–10b, 12b, 13b and others listed on the agenda): approved as presented (motions and seconders recorded on the record for each consent block).

Board members and district staff said additional working-session time in September will be used for follow-up on several topics raised during public comment and board discussion, including high-school safety and construction schedule updates.

Ending: The board adjourned its business meeting and moved into the scheduled working session, where facilities, construction progress at the high school, and other capital projects were discussed in greater detail.