Kaneland school board OKs administrator, staff raises

The Kaneland School Board voted to give most administrators and support staff a 4 percent raise on Monday night.

The increases were passed by the board unanimously.

The total cost of administrative raises is $87,298, while the cost of the support staff raises is $171,367.

That will allow the district to open a new middle school in the 2009-2010 school year and maintain a pledge not to ask for a tax rate increase in the next five years, according to Jeff Schuler, the district's assistant superintendent for Human Resources.

"To honor that commitment to the public, we have to factor that in," Schuler said.

Opening the new middle school in Sugar Grove is expected to add $1.3 million in district salaries, he said.

Six administrators who are retiring in 2009 or 2010 will be getting a 6 percent raise. In addition, Director of Curriculum Sarah Mumm will get a 15 percent raise, from $79,490 to $91,490. Her salary was lower than similar jobs in similar districts, so a "correction" was needed, according to administrators.

"As a result of our market analysis, we believe that (salary) was out of line and needed an adjustment," Schuler said.

The district's teachers are on an existing multiyear contract.