Superintendent contract extended:

Elected officials in Hawthorn Elementary District 73 have shown support for Superintendent Nick Brown by extending his contract for three years. Brown, who was hired for the 2012-13 school year, had another year left on his contract. His new pact will extend through the 2017-18 school year. School board President Jeff Bard said Brown has shown good vision and leadership as the district faces several issues, including the possible reorganization of schools. "I think it provides stability for the district," he said of the contract, which was approved Monday. Brown will receive raises of 80 percent of the Consumer Price Index or 2 percent, whichever is greater, during the three-year extension. He currently makes $193,640.