Luverne School Board evaluates superintendent, approves salary increases

The Luverne School Board approved a new three-year contract with Superintendent Craig Oftedahl that includes a 2.5 percent pay increase following a favorable yearly review.
For the 2020-21 school year Oftedahl will receive $141,282, followed by $144,674 in 2021-22, and $148,435 for the 2022-23 school year.
Board chair Jodi Bosch read a summary of the May 28 evaluation. Oftedahl was hired in 2015.
“Mr. Oftedahl continues to excel in his leadership role in the school and community,” Bosch read at the board’s June 25 meeting.
“We are looking forward to continued communication, teamwork and accountability as we move forward. We know these are uncertain times for schools, and we are thankful to have Mr. Oftedahl help our district.”
Each of the seven board members evaluated Oftedahl in achieving both the district and the professional development goals.
Board members used a numerical system of 1 through 4 for each of the areas, with 1 being “unsatisfactory,” 2 “satisfactory,” 3 “accomplished” and 4 “distinguished."
In the district goals, the board ranked Oftedahl (evaluation average):
•distinguished (a combined 4 ranking) for providing leadership for the district at the school level as well as the community level.
•accomplished (3.5) for maintaining school finances according to policy.
•accomplished (3) for maintaining effective communication with school board, staff and community.
•distinguished (4) for cultivating partnerships to maximize resources and enhance student opportunities such as CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) and medical careers class.
“His work on the CEO and medical careers class have helped make these programs successful,” Bosch added. “His leadership continues to be appreciated on the building project also.”
Board members also evaluated Oftedahl on two professional development goals.
For these two goals, the board delivered rankings of:
•accomplished (3) for continued planning and working with all involved in the building project, maintaining relationships with various stakeholders and communicating plans as necessary moving forward.
•satisfactory (2) for continuing the plan for reorganization of duties and implementation of changes in a timely manner, as well as conducting administrative reviews.
 
Other district staff raises also approved
In addition to a three-year superintendent contract, school board members also unanimously supported extending two-year contracts with the district’s three administrators. Board members Shelley Sandbulte and Eric Hartman did not attend the June 25 meeting and did not vote.
Elementary principal Stacy Gillette will receive $121,314 for the 2020-21 school year and $124,347 for 2021-22.
Middle school principal Jason Phelps’ contract will be $101,988 for 2020-21 and $104,538 for the 2021-22 school year.
High school principal Ryan Johnson will receive $115,938 for 2020-21 and $118,836 for 2021-22.
Other supervisory and support staff also received retroactive raises following performance evaluations.
Employee, position, and salary for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years are listed below:
•Marlene Mann, business manager, $80,980 and $83,005.
•Wade Hiller, technology coordinator, $74,151 and $76,005.
•Brenda Teal, administrative assistant and payroll clerk, $51,943 and $53,242.
•Brad Goembel, transportation supervisor, $63,113 and $64,691.
•Ann Rigney, food service director, $36,818 and $37,738.
Transportation drivers will also receive wage increases effective July 1.
The position and per day wages for 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years include:
•regular route drivers, $93 and $95.
•Sioux Falls route, $93 and $95.
•preschool route, $46.50 and $47.
•activity trip drivers will be $15 per hour and overnight drivers will receive $130 per day.
Two-hour food service workers will receive a 25-cent per hour increase to $13.75 for the 2020-21 school year.
Also for the upcoming school year the substitute teacher daily rate will increase to $126. The last increase was approved in 2018.
 
In other business, the school board:
•approved a maternity leave request from Aimee Richters, elementary teacher, for eight weeks from approximately July 4 through Sept. 8.
•hired Lucas Larson as a .65 full-time equivalent social studies teacher. His salary for 2020-21 school year is $27,045.