New superintendent takes pay freeze

Talk about it

Assistant Superintendent Mark Porter, who has been hired to take the job of superintendent of School District 833 at the end of June, will make $159,900, according to the contract approved by the school board, Feb. 17.

The annual salary is the same as is currently being paid to Superintendent Tom Nelson who is retiring in June.

The vote was 5-2 with board members Marsha Adou and Tracy Brunnette voting against.

Like Nelson’s contract, Porter, who currently heads human resources and legal services, will have a tax-sheltered annuity. The board agrees to match the superintendent’s contribution up to $4,000 a year.

Porter can carry existing vacation days into his new position and earn 25 vacation days a year, two less than Nelson’s contract.

Board Chair Ron Kath said, because of the current economy of the district, that Porter agreed to a two-year salary freeze. He also accepts 11 sick days, two fewer than Nelson, and car allowance reduced from $700 to $500 a month.

Board Member Jim Gelbmann said Porter will be one of the lowest-paid superintendents in the metropolitan area.

Tags: school district 833, pay freeze, superintendent, porter