LF superintendent's pact extended

LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls School District's superintendent George Maurer received another "A" on his performance evaluation Monday.

The Little Falls School District met in a closed session to review Maurer's performance for the 1999-2000 school year. It found that the superintendent met or surpassed the district's expectations. It also found that he was eligible for performance compensation for $4,400 for the school year.

The school board recently finished Maurer's evaluation from 1998-99 school year and said he met the expectations and received $4,800, to give the superintendent a total of $9,200 in compensation pay for the last two years.

The board set a time line in its open meeting that followed the closed session for goals and for the 2000-01 evaluation for Maurer to make sure it keeps up with the yearly evaluations. June 2001 will be the next review.

The school board voted 5-1 in favor of extending Maurer's contract for three years beginning next year. His contract expires June 30, 2001, and the extension goes until June 30, 2004. Susan Prosapio, school board member, opposed the contract.

"We just cut staff, fought to keep all-day, every-day kindergarten and we are in a financially difficult time," she said. "Why are we doing this at this time?"

Prosapio was concerned about the timing and if Maurer decides to break the contract in the future the district could lose a lot of money.

"Everything is getting more and more expensive," said Herman Pietrowski, board member. "Our superintendent is more valuable than others, including principals."

"I'm comfortable with this," said chair Camille Warzecha. "It was a difficult time (when Maurer was hired) to come into the school district, and he brought us through those tough times."

In the contract, Maurer will earn a base salary for 2001-02 of no less than $97,850 and $100,786 for 2002-03. The salary may be modified, but not reduced.

The superintendent also received a severance package where the district will match dollars for no more than $3,500 a year. This is the first time Maurer received this benefit from the district.

Maurer will also receive 20 working days of annual pay for vacation each year. After 10 years of service with a district a superintendent may earn 30 days of vacation.