Dist. 211 extends superintendent's contract to 2021

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 board members Wednesday unanimously approved a contract extension through June 2021 for Superintendent Dan Cates, who's just begun his third year as top administrator.

The three-year extension amends Cates' original four-year contract, which ended in 2018, without specifying any annual salary changes.

The original contract set a base salary of $215,000, but allowed for annual increases.

School board President Mucia Burke issued a written statement Thursday praising Cates' job performance.

"The board of education is extremely pleased with the work Dr. Cates has done during his first two years as superintendent, and this was our way to show our commitment to him," Burke wrote.

"Dr. Cates has led the district through a matter that has District 211 in the national spotlight," she continued, referring to the district's role in the debate over transgender students' access to locker rooms and bathrooms. "Throughout the past year, Dr. Cates led the community engagement initiative used to create a five-year strategic plan, and his contract extension provides us the opportunity for him to see these projects through from start to finish."

Cates also released a statement expressing gratitude for a positive relationship with the community.

"I am grateful for the privilege to continue our work for the students and families throughout District 211," Cates wrote. "Working closely with community members, parents and students throughout the community engagement sessions highlighted the importance that District 211 has on our community, and I am excited to create more opportunities for our students in the coming years.

"For nearly 25 years, the District 211 community has been my home, my career and my cause, and I could not be any more fortunate than to have the opportunity to commit myself to the mission of serving our students."