Huron Valley superintendent's contract extended

Huron Valley Schools Superintendent Jackie Johnston’s contract was extended for another year in a Thursday, June 9 unanimous vote of Board of Education members.

Johnston’s contract is now effective July 1, 2011 and ends on June 30, 2014.

The decision to extend Johnston’s contract adds fodder to the argument that some area school boards, including Huron Valley’s, have made a practice of annually extending their superintendents’ multi-year contracts, thereby keeping school districts on the hook for honoring contract provisions for an extended period of time.

Trustee John Knight noted Johnston received “high marks in her annual evaluation,” and was praised for a “high level attainment of district goals.”

School Board President Charles Dittmar concurred.

“Huron Valley Schools remains a high-quality organization under her leadership,” he said.

Dittmar further stated that the school board greatly appreciates Johnston’s strong work ethic, professionalism, and high expectations for herself, the district’s employees, and students.

Johnson opted to take a 7 percent salary cut last year. She waived a 3 percent cost of living increase last year to which she was entitled, but will be receiving that compensation this year.

“The cost of living increase is in her contract so it will be honored this year,” said Janet Roberts, the school district’s director of community relations and fund development.

Johnston will receive $169,354 for 2011-12, compared to $164,352 last year.

“These are unprecedented financial times and our employees are making sacrifices in their compensation to meet these challenges,” Johnston said. “I am proud to join them in making these tough choices in support of our students.”

Johnston is contracted to work 221 days a year, three days less than last year, but the number of days coincides with the contract ratified by the Huron Valley Education Association.

She will receive three personal days per year.

Johnston’s monthly car allowance will be $700 for 2011-12 and the subsequent year. She received only a fraction of that amount for the 2010-11 school year, at $152.16.

“As part of her compensation reduction last year she took a cut in car allowance, but she was always supposed to receive $700 per month,” Roberts said.

Johnston is entitled to the same medical, hospital, dental, vision and disability health care insurance coverage provided to other administrative employees, but has waived the benefit package.

“She is also waiving the ‘cash in lieu’ so she won’t be receiving any monetary amount instead (of those benefits), which means additional savings for the district,” Roberts said.

Johnston will also receive annual deferred compensation of $8,136 to be paid by the district into a section 403b or other investment plan of her choice.

During the term of the contract, Johnston will receive a fully-paid, $460,000 group-term life insurance policy.