By Lori EhdeLuverne School Board members approved a new two-year contract with Superintendent Vince Schaefer during their Thursday, Sept. 23, meeting.The contract calls for a 3.5 percent salary increase for 2004-05 and another 3-percent increase for 2005-06.The board’s action Thursday brings Schaefer’s current salary of $96,098 to $102,465 by the end of the two-year contract.The raise takes into account responsibilites Schaefer assumed as Alternative School director after that position was cut this spring.The board approved the contract with recommendation from members of the Personnel Committee."In my opinion, he’s doing a real fine job," said board member Bill Stegemann, who served on the Personnel Committee. "His relationship with the rest of the staff is very good. I know he’s inundated with a lot of work, but I know he tries real hard to stay on top of things."Stegemann said Schaefer’s demeanor with the public also makes him a valuable resource for the district."I really appreciate how he deals with people," Stegemann said. "I know there are going to be a couple of people who read this and disagree with me, but it’s like I always say, ‘You can please some people some of the time, but you can’t please everyone all of the time.’ "The superintendent’s contract is one of several administrative contracts the board approved this fall.The middle school and high school principals absorbed extra duties since the board decided not to replace Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff, who resigned this spring.High School Principal Gary Fisher is now the middle school and high school principal. A half-time middle school dean of students was added to assist with attendance and discipline.Middle School Principal Stacy Gillette is now the elementary principal.Fisher’s salary will increase from the current $88,141 to $93,970 in 2004-05.Gillette’s salary of $71,500 will increase to $76,220 in 2004-05.The contract for Community Education Director Karen Willers is still pending. Her current salary is $40,878 for a 208-day contract.Contracts for district supervisory positions were also approved for the 2004-05 school year.oHead Cook Gretchen Davis received a 4.6-percent increase, bringing her salary from $25,920 to $27,120.oFinance Officer Marlene Mann received a 4- percent increase, bringing her salary from $47,632 to $49,608.oTransportation Director Lon Remme received a 4-percent increase, bringing his salary from $42,492 to $44,173.oBuildings and Grounds Supervisor Larry Roos received a 4.1-percent increase, bringing his salary from $45,448 to $47,320.oAdministrative Assistant Brenda Teal received a 4.1-percent increase, bringing her salary from $30,680 to $31,928.In other personnel business Thursday, the board adjusted the contract with Tiffany Burmeister, increasing her time from half time to full time.Burmeister is a teacher for developmentally and cognitively delayed students, and the adjustment reflects an increased work load in the special education department.According to the contract, if the workload decreases in the future, the contract will be adjusted to reflect less time needed.
