| Viewing Single Post From: LIEpa gets another contract extension | |
|---|---|
| LPSisPoor | Jul 2 2009, 06:25 PM |
|
Advanced Member
  ![]](http://209.85.48.16/static/1/pip_r.png)
|
In a 4-2 vote Monday, the Livonia school board extended Supt. Randy Liepa's contract another year, pushing the expiration date to June 2014. Trustees Patrice Mang and Steve King voted no, saying the five-year agreement is longer than the terms being served by all sitting board members and incoming board member Colleen Burton, who takes office July 8. Board members typically are elected to four-year terms. “I just think it ties the hands of future boards,” Mang said of the contract after the meeting. Trustee Gregory Oke was absent from the meeting. Mang said she has no issue with Liepa's performance, which the board recently critiqued in closed session. “I think that his evaluation was fair and that his performance is within the guidelines set by the board,” Mang said. “I don't have any reason to be upset with him or the job he's doing.” The contract calls for a salary freeze. Liepa's annual salary, including all compensation except for insurance, remains at $148,918. “He didn't even ask the board for a raise,” Mang said. The board faces a $7.5 million deficit in its $160 million budget for the 2009-10 school year. Trustee Daniel Lessard said he doesn't think the length of the contract is out of line, given the job Liepa is doing. “I think we've got one of the best superintendents around,” he said. He said the current board implements policies adopted by previous boards. “We're responsible for policies that were written 20 years ago, and they're still valid,” he said. “It makes no difference when they were written.” Lessard said the district is getting Liepa's services for a “real bargain.” Some superintendents in smaller districts make “a great deal more money” than he does, Lessard said. Livonia has about 17,000 students. Trustee Lynda Scheel agreed Liepa's doing an “excellent job” and he's “well worth” the salary. She said she appreciates his efforts to keep costs down by contributing $1,000 a year toward his health care. She said given the district's financial situation, extending Liepa's contract was the most the board could do for him. Liepa became superintendent in 2003. ksmith@hometownlife.com | (313) 222-2098 |
 |
|
| LIEpa gets another contract extension · Livonia Neighbors Forum | |
