Glenbard keeps leader's contract for 3 more years

After seeking a job elsewhere this year, Glenbard High School District 87 Superintendent Mike Meissen agreed to extend his current contract through 2011.

School board members gave Meissen a package with a $206,279 base pay and $30,000 annual annuity. The contract includes a clause allowing the board to increase that amount if it chooses in subsequent years.

Meissen started in 2006 at $190,000 and a $15,000 annuity.

District 87 board members say they didn't worry during negotiations about the superintendent's applications for districts in and around Madison, Wis., where he and his family are from.

"The application for Wisconsin was a personal matter in regard to his family situation," board President David Brown said. "We believe he is committed to the district."

Meissen himself said he remains committed to District 87.

"I'm very honored and privileged to be part of the school district and community," he said. "My intentions are to continue working and achieving momentum.

"My reasons to leave were to be closer to family," he explained.

Though his contract wasn't set to expire until June 2009, Brown said the board entered into a new one with Meissen because the goals in the former agreement "were substantially met."

"We're pleased with Dr. Meissen's leadership and look forward to his continued good leadership," Brown said.

Goals in the new contract are tied to the district's newly approved strategic plan.

Brown said Meissen has started or made strides toward a number of significant and positive changes in the four-school district, including increasing graduation requirements and restoring the seventh class period. He's also improved communications with different segments of the district, increased the emphasis on English and math and overseen a return to balanced budgets.

"The board is very pleased," Brown said.