Birkett to Receive Annual Pay Increases for Next Three Years

Praising her performance during the last two years at the helm of local schools, the Board of Education approved a three-year extension Monday to Superintendent Kathy Birkett's contract.

The new contract, which runs through June 30, 2014, calls for a salary increase each year.

“We’ve seen tremendous results over the past couple of years, and we’re pleased to have extended her contract,” Board President Curt Bradshaw said.

While Birkett, along with the other district administrators, took a pay freeze in 2010-11, her new contract calls for a 3 percent increase in 2011-12, a 4 percent increase in 2012-13 and a 5 percent increase in 2013-14. Currently Birkett’s salary is $210,000.

The contract also includes health insurance coverage from retirement until Birkett is eligible for Medicare. Bradshaw said that is similar to retirement benefits for all other employees.

“She was actually the only employee without that in her contract,” Bradshaw said.

Although the board voted unanimously to extend the contract, it was split on the terms. Voting for the terms were Bradshaw, Mark Metzger, Cathy Piehl, Sue Rasmus and Alka Tyle. Voting against the terms were Dawn DeSart and Christine Vickers.

Vickers said her 'no' vote on the terms should in no way be construed as a no confidence vote in Birkett.

“Dr. Birkett has done an amazing job as superintendent,” she said.

Vickers said her opposition “is purely a fiscal decision.” The pay raises in the contract total $26,200 for the next three years, she said, and have the potential to increase pension benefits.

“We need to be mindful that the taxpayers are at the top of our organizational chart, and we are fiduciarily responsible for their funds and their property first and foremost,” Vickers said.

Metzger said if Birkett didn’t sign the contract and retired early, the district would have to pay 23.5 percent of salary for each year she is short of retirement age.

“You’re looking at something well into the six figures,” he said.

The amount would “dwarfs” the salary increase and benefits in the contract.

“From a purely economic view, to me it seems the right thing to do is to extend this contact,” Metzger said.

District officials said that while Birkett is in charge of the third largest district in Illinois, the compensation package she receives ranks 78th in the state. In the past two years, the amount of students in the district meeting and exceeding standards has increased to the highest number ever, and percentage of community members giving the district high marks increased from 76 percent to 87 percent.

“I looking forward to the next three years. I think there were a lot of initiatives that we started that I’d like to see to fruition,” Birkett said. “So many things are coming with the State of Illinois now, and with the whole ed reform bill, I’d like to be a part of doing that right, to be very honest. I think that’s going to be tough, I think that’s going to be hard work, but I think I have the team to do it, and I’m looking forward to it.”

A copy of Birkett’s contract will be posted on District 204’s website sometime Tuesday.

In other news:

Metzger and Tyle were recognized with proclamations honoring their years of service on the board.

Metzger spent 20 years as a board member, but did not seek another term in the April election.

“I have immensely enjoyed this journey,” Metzger said. “...My journey has included the opportunity to work side by side with 24 board members, five superintendents and 18 assistant superintendents. All of whom have shaped me and thought processes in ways that will be with me forever.”

He thanked all school administrators and teachers for the work they do.

“It’s been my honor and my privilege to do this work with you,” he said.

Tyle was appointed to the board in 2006, and was later elected to a full term in 2007. Tyle lost her bid for another term in the April election.

“Looking back, I don’t think anything can prepare you well for life on this board. Especially in  Illinois,” Tyle said. “It is a unique position of great responsibility that requires much learning, research, sustained diligence and making tough choices. It has really been quite an honor to serve on this board and work closely with some talented people.”

Later in the evening, recently elected board members—including incumbent Bradshaw and newcomers Lori Price and Mark Rising—were sworn in and began their new terms.

Once the members were seated, the board elected officers during an at times, tense, process. Bradshaw was elected for another term as president, Rasmus was elected vice president and Piehl was elected secretary.

Piehl was also elected the district’s representative on the Illinois Association of School Boards’ governing board.