Contract extension, raise for District 64 superintendent
As his first year leading Park Ridge-Niles District 64 comes to a close, Superintendent Ben Collins is getting a contract extension and a raise.
The school board Thursday night extended Collins’ employment two years until June 2028, as well as a 4.4% pay bump to $234,900, starting Monday.
“The new contract demonstrates a strong commitment to continuity between the board, our top leadership position, and the community,” spokesman Chris Lilly said.
That continuity is important, Lily said, because officials are on the verge of asking voters to approve a roughly $98 million facilities improvement plan.
“Turnover has significantly hindered our ability to address facilities-related issues,” Lilly said.
Collins joined District 64 last summer. He succeeded Eric Olson, who quit after losing community support because of pandemic safety rules and other issues.
Collins’ initial contract ran through June 2026 and paid him $225,000 the first year.
D64 superintendent contract.pdf