District 158 extends superintendent, high school principal contracts

Multiyear contract extensions for Superintendent John Burkey and Huntley High School Principal Scott Rowe have been approved by the Huntley Community School District 158 board.

Burkey's new five-year contract begins Friday and runs through June 30, 2021. In his capacity as superintendent and chief executive officer, he will earn a base salary of $215,000 for the 2016-17 school year with a 2.5 percent raise each contract year over the previous year's base salary.

Burkey must meet goals related to student achievement and academic performance, such as on standardized tests, completion of curriculum, attendance and dropout rates. He also may propose additional goals for himself and the district by the August board meeting.

The school board will evaluate Burkey's performance annually on or before June 15 of each school year, the contract says. If he successfully completes one or more of the objectives in the board's strategic plan, Burkey would be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in additional pay.

Rowe's contract was extended three years starting Friday through June 30, 2019. His annual salary will be $137,920 for each of the contract years. No raises were specified.

Rowe also will be evaluated on student performance on standardized tests, curriculum completion, attendance and dropout rates. He is responsible for reviewing changes to curriculum and instructional services based on student performance.

The board also authorized salary increases of about 4 percent on average for support personnel and nonunion employees starting this fall.