School administrators’ contracts approved without raises for next year
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
The final days of school are not a road for the weary, but teachers and administrators, especially those at the high school level, have been pushing through to close out another school year, which is Friday for students in Rogers City Area Schools.
For members of the board of education, who for the most part perform a thankless job throughout the year, except for giving out high school diplomas, has been putting together the pieces of the next school year.
The day after graduating the Class of 2014, it was back to work with a budget hearing and regular meeting. It approved the 2014-15 budget and set salaries for the superintendent, administrators as well as staff.
Plus, the board dismissed to closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategies.
It’s when the job gets to be thankless again — for all parties.
With a “bare bones” budget of nearly $4.9 million, and the possibility of less students, and no guarantees from the state regarding a boost in the state foundation grant, there will be no wage increases for the districts leaders.
Superintendent Katy Makowski, who also serves as the K-5 principal at Rogers City Elementary, received a contract extension of a year back in January, but it will be with no salary increase. She is now aboard through 2017 with an annual salary of $84,000.
“We are going to keep it the same with an additional year,” said board president Mike Marx. “If things change, maybe we can do something different. At this point in time we will keep the superintendent’s contract the same.”
The contract runs from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017. She was hired as the elementary school principal in 2009, coming from Onekama Schools. Two years later, when Jamie Huber left to work for the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Intermediate School District, Makowski was interviewed and hired as superintendent.
The board also approved administrative contracts for: 6-12 principal/athletic director David O’Bryant, one year for a total of three years through 2017; business coordinator Robin Hughes, one year; retiring administrative assistant Carol Radka, one month; food services supervisor Diane Schultz, one year; elementary secretary/pupil accounting coordinator Tammy Budnick, one year; middle/high s
All the contract extensions were approved. Just like the superintendent, there were no salary increases involved at this time.
In other board matters:
• Teacher tenure was granted to Rebecca O’Bryant, Stephanie Onstwedder, Amanda Polaski and Sarah Simmons. Seven teachers will continue working toward teacher tenure as probationary teachers.
• Football coach Tim Nagy’s request to conduct a three-day camp at the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center from Aug. 11 to 13 was approved.
• Jackie Edgar was recommended and hired as a substitute bus driver.