Huntley schools chief will take salary freeze
Huntley Unit District 158 Superintendent John Burkey will take a salary freeze during the 2010-11 school year, the first year of new three-year contract the school board approved this week.
Burkey said he approached the board about keeping his salary flat after the schools chief and the board initially discussed tying his raises to the rate of inflation.
"We're going to be asking other groups of people to potentially take a freeze," Burkey said.
"There's no way I'd take an increase while asking people to do that."
Among the cost-saving measures administrators have proposed to hold down expenses next year is a salary freeze for support staff and nonunion employees, including administrators.
Board members, who passed the deal in a 5-1 vote, applauded Burkey's move.
"That sets a good example," board President Shawn Green said.
Aileen Seedorf was the sole board member to vote against the contract.
Here are the highlights of Burkey's new deal:
• It runs from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013.
• Burkey will earn $178,000 in the first year and receive annual cost-of-living increases for two years after that.
• He will get 20 vacation days.
• The district will pay insurance premiums for Burkey and his immediate family; Burkey will be responsible for deductibles and copays.
• The district will pay Burkey's required annual pension contribution.
With the amount the district must contribute for employees, this amounts to 11.45 percent of Burkey's annual salary.
Burkey said he would consider extending his salary freeze if the district continues to face tight budgets.
"I have to lead by example," the superintendent said.
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<h2>Related documents</h2>
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<li><a href="/pdf/burkeycontract.pdf">Dist. 158 superintendent's contract</a></li>
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