The Exeter Township Board of School Directors approved administration contracts and salaries at their Dec. 16 meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Beverly A. Martin was approved for her third term in the district set to begin on July 1, 2015 and end on June 30, 2018 at a salary rate of $160,000.
In discussion about the annual pay, Russell Diesinger, board member, stated his opposition to the superintendent’s salary.
“I think that school districts have exasperated their own problem [and] drive up people’s salaries before they retire. We tend to be our own worst enemies,” Diesinger said. “It’s not fiscally responsible.”
Robert Quinter, board president, stated he is in support of “providing a salary that is competitive with other districts.”
The board compared Exeter schools to those of surrounding counties including the metro Philadelphia area, Montgomery, Chester, Bucks and Delaware counties.
“I think the salaries have to be viewed in context of a $70 million organization,” Timothy Timura, board member, stated. Timura encouraged the board to view the district as a business. “The school district is meeting or exceeding those academic” expectations for the student body, Timura said.
Assistant superintendent Dr. Todd Davies was approved at a salary of $134,000 effective April 2, 2015.
Director of Human Resources Elizabeth A. Weber was approved at a salary of $105,500 effective Jan. 5, 2015.
District Business Manager Anne C. Guydish was approved for a three-year contract at the rate of $ 115,000 effective July 1, 2014.
The following transfers were also approved by the board: Dorothy Dragan transferred from assistant head cook to head cook at the senior high school effective Nov. 24, 2014; Eileen A. Malone transferred from part-time guidance secretary to full-time secretary at Reiffton School effective Nov. 24, 2014; Richard S. Vees transferred from mechanic helper to mechanic effective Dec. 22, 2014 and Daniel V. Wegman transferred from senior high aide in school suspension to grounds/relief position with an effective date to be determined.
The next school board workshop meeting will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at the administration building.