The Dolores school board decided on a salary range and benefits package for the new superintendent as it moves forward in its search process.
After deliberating, the District RE-4A Board of Education decided to offer the new district leader a starting salary of $96,000 to $108,000, depending on his or her experience level. Board members also decided to advertise a two-year contract, with the second year contingent on a satisfactory performance in the first year.
The two-year contract is intended to ensure that the superintendent feels secure in the job, directors decided.
“When I was searching to move my career, I only looked at districts that were willing to do a two-year,” interim Superintendent Phil Kasper said at a special meeting Thursday.
The vote was unanimous, and the board also voted to offer the new superintendent a $21,000 benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance – details that will be listed on the Colorado Association of School Boards brochure sent out for candidates.
The salary range does not include standard incremental step increases, typically about $2,000 a year. It would be built into the contract during the negotiation process.
Next steps in the search include an interview process conducted by two volunteer teams and the Board of Education.
According to the Colorado Department of Education, annual superintendent salaries last year in Montezuma County ranged from about $88,000 to $127,500, with Mancos at the low end and Montezuma-Cortez at the high end. Dolores landed in the middle, at a little over $100,000.
The volunteer teams will comprise two parents, two community members, a student, a principal, a paraprofessional, a preschool teacher, a elementary teacher, a secondary teacher, a classified employee, a central office staff member and a nonclassroom teacher, such as a counselor or a physical education, art or music teacher.
Participants will be selected by a lottery system, with the final teams drawn by board members at the open session meeting Feb. 14.
Those interested in sitting on an interview committee can pick up a form at the district office. People who fall into multiple categories – i.e., teachers who are also parents or community members – may choose one category only.
Forms are due to Laurie Arnett via email at larnett@dolores.k12.co.us or mail to the Dolores School District Office, P.O. Box 727, 100 N. Sixth St., Dolores, CO 81323.
ealvero @the-journal.com
