McDonald board OKs schools chief’s contract

A new policy would change the birthdate for entry into kindergarten from Sept. 30 to July 1.

By MARY SMITH

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

McDONALD — The board of education Monday approved a new four-year contract for Superintendent Michael Wasser.

The board gave him a $2,100 increase in the first year only, to bring his pay to $80,755 starting Aug. 1 and continuing to July 31, 2009.

Wasser will receive $82,774 in the next three years of his contract, ending Sept. 31, 2012 — contingent in those years on whether teachers get a raise.

He said he has told the district’s 67 teachers he will take the same increase or wage freeze that they receive.

Board member Kathleen Harvey objected to the fact that she did not have the full contract to review, but board member William Roux said the board has discussed Wasser’s contract “ad infinitum” since November. Harvey abstained from voting for the new pact.

The board also gave a first reading, at Harvey’s insistence, to a new policy that changes the birthdate for entry into kindergarten in the district from Sept. 30 to July 1.

Harvey said she believes it is the board’s written policy to give policy changes two readings and made the request in the form of a motion, which was passed.

Six employees, including high school Principal John LaRocca who will leave effective June 30, signed up for the district’s Early Retirement Incentive Program.

William Walker, high school science teacher, guidance counselor and former assistant football coach, leaves effective June 30. Others taking early retirement effective May 31 are: Lou Rene Church, elementary teacher; Carol Ann Hart, librarian; Connie Morris, elementary education; and Mary Jayne Peterson, elementary, junior high and high school science. The teachers’ combined experience is 214 years.

LaRocca, who was twice given a round of applause by residents attending the meeting, taught shop here for 17 years at the high school and was principal here for 19 years. He spent 1989 to 1999 as a high school and middle school administrator in Virginia and then returned to McDonald as principal.

Treasurer Thomas Radabaugh said the district could see six to 10 more retirees this year. He noted an added incentive to retire under the new Early Retirement Program passed in May 2007 is that the district will also be putting money into a special fund to offset medical expenses for retirees.

Payouts for the retirement program are that those taking it in the 2007-08 school year will receive $20,000; $15,000 in the 2008-2009 year; and $10,000 in the 2009-10 year.