Retiring Naperville Dist. 203 chief gets 6-percent raise

Retiring Superintendent Alan Leis will receive a 6 percent salary bump during his final year in Naperville Unit District 203.

The school board approved the increase Monday, bringing Leis' salary to $229,339 including benefits.

The raise is considerably more than the 3.75 percent increase Leis received last year, but President Suzyn Price said the board wanted to make Leis' salary more competitive and reward the work he has done.

"He's done a remarkable job," she said. "I think everyone will admit that he's certainly put his heart and soul into it and had some really impressive results out of it."

The Class of 2008 had the highest ACT scores in district history, and state test scores have been consistently high at all grade levels. Leis also led the district through an extensive study of its facilities and ultimately helped gain voter approval for a $43 million tax increase to pay for $114.9 million in renovations.

Doug Wilson, who headed up the district's facilities committee said Leis "personifies leadership in action."

Leis publicly announced his plans for retirement earlier this month. He will leave the district in June 2009 after roughly 40 years in education.

Leis notified the board of his decision to retire several months ago and said he had talked with them about a merit pay bonus this year. "I feel good about the year and I'm very appreciative of the board for recognizing that," he said.