Dist. 203 board approves new contract for superintendent

The Naperville Unit District 203 board approved a new contract for Superintendent Dan Bridges that will run through the 2026-27 school year.

The five-year contract will pay Bridges a salary of $285,000 in the first year and a total compensation package of $346,654 including benefits. In the following years of the contract, Bridges will receive an annual raise of 2% to 4%.

"With our action tonight, we ensure with this contract the stable leadership of our district," school board President Kristin Fitzgerald said at Monday's board meeting, "and that our Naperville 203 team will continue our outstanding progress toward the goal of helping every student achieve their potential."

Bridges, who is entering his 11th year as superintendent, had one year left on his existing performance-based contract. The employment agreement states Bridges "attained the goals and indicators of student performance and academic achievement, as stated in the original, predecessor contract."

Fitzgerald touted Bridges' impact on the district. She said District 203 recently was recognized by the national superintendents association, the AASA, as one of only 13 Lighthouse Demonstration Systems in the nation for work accomplished in the area of social, emotional and cognitive growth.

Bridges' previous contract paid him $273,206 in the 2021-22 school year with a total compensation package of $333,415. While his salary increases in the first year of the new contract, his benefits will remain the same.

"Thank you to the board for your continued trust in me to lead this district," Bridges said Monday. "I'm extremely grateful for the team of administrators who are leading here with me. Our partnership among the students, staff, parents, and community in Naperville 203, it really is a collective effort and collective partnership and commitment to continue growth that really sets this district apart."