TCU Board discusses superintendent search
The school board for the Tri-City United School District finalized more plans in its search for a replacement for Superintendent Matt Helgerson on Monday.
As a discussion item, the board reviewed the meeting dates in the search process. On April 22, the consultant from South Central Service Cooperative that is assisting the district, will present a profile report for the new superintendent. The board will also finalize a candidates list.
On April 24, the board and a committee made up of teachers, administrators and community members, will interview four candidates. Later that evening, the board will discuss the candidates and determine two finalists.
On Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30 there will be a community meeting for the two finalist candidates. Board chair Liz Krocak encouraged the public to attend this meeting and ask the finalists questions.
Helgerson also encouraged the public to attend this important step in the hiring process.
“The community meeting is so important to this process,” he said. “Parents, grandparents, business owners, all are invited. Bring your questions to the candidates. It’s your way to see how the candidates respond.”
Both the community meetings will begin at 4 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium.
After the second community meeting on April 30, the board will meet and determine the final candidate for contract offer.
On Monday, the board also reviewed a comparison of superintendent salaries in the Minnesota River Conference. As the largest school in the district, TCU with a student population of 1,814, Helgerson was making $121,875 with full family health/dental coverage or a $8,400 cash benefit.
In Belle Plaine, with 1,616 students, the superintendent is slated to make $139,050 next year with full family health and dental paid by the district.
In Watertown-Mayer with 1,597 students, the superintendent was pulling in $146,000 this year with no district contribution for health and/or dental insurance.
The salaries listed also included various other benefits like 4039(b) matches, severance/retirement packages and moving, cell phone and vehicle allowances.
Based on a recommendation by the finance committee, the board agreed on a salary range from $120,00 to $130,000 to attract a better list of candidates.
“You get what you pay for,” said Krocak.
In personnel business the board approved the following:
Retirements: Janet Strey, RN (9 yrs), Josi Quiram (30 yrs), Maureen Gunderson (26 yrs), Karen Donohue (11 yrs).
Non-renewals for the probationary teachers: Lisa Hoefs, Chris Kramer, Colleen Sedivy, Marshall Mehlos, and Tony Turenne.
New hires: Andrew Meier, fitness room supervisor, Dave King, 5th grade long term substitute, and Tony Sexe, junior high baseball coach.
Employment status:
Wendy Vargo from full-time to part-time.
