District 57 extends superintendent's contract

The Mount Prospect Elementary District 57 school board has affirmed its confidence in Superintendent Elaine Aumiller by giving her a one-year contract extension and a raise in pay.

The extension will keep Aumiller in her post until June 30, 2015. Aumiller started as superintendent on July 1, 2009.

“It's very reassuring to get this kind of support from the board,” Aumiller said. “I'm excited and eager to continue working in this excellent district and community.”

The extension includes a 2 percent pay raise, the first Aumiller has received in two years. Her base salary will be $166,770 starting this fiscal year, up from $163,500. The fiscal year began on July 1.

The district will continue to cover Aumiller's contributions to the Teachers' Retirement System and the Teachers' Health Insurance Security Fund.

School board President Karen Nejdl said Aumiller has provided strong leadership for the district during a time when resources are tight and expectations for student performance are high.

She said the decision on the raise was not made lightly, adding that she and the other board members are aware of the difficulties many district residents are facing as a result of the slow economy.

“It's a challenging time right now, but we do want to retain her,” Nejdl said. “Even with the economy the way it is, there are other districts, other places looking for people like (Aumiller).”

Aumiller's salary, like those of all district administrators, had been frozen the past two years as part of a larger effort to reduce costs.

The board approved raises for other administrators in late April. The decision to amend Aumiller's contract was made on June 21.