BPS administrative salary increase approved

By Bill Hafer/Daily Sun staff writer

Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 - 09:37:18 am CDT

Salaries for Beatrice Public Schools administrators will go up by more than 4 percent for the coming school year.

The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education Monday evening approved a 4.08 percent increase in administrator salaries for the 2008-09 school year and in a separate motion approved a 4.08 percent increase in the superintendent’s salary.

Those increases cover salary only, and do not include insurance and other benefits.

Both votes were 6-1, with board members Dave Niedfeldt, Dan Dell, Mitch Deines, Bonnie Riekenberg, Don Harmon and Steve Winter voting in favor. Board members Terry Cossel and Lisa Goossen were absent from the meeting.

Voting against the 4.08 percent increase was board member Jim Spangler, who offered amendments to both motions to propose a 2.5 percent increase in salaries instead.

Spangler’s amendment for administrator salaries died for lack of a second to his motion, while the amendment for the superintendent’s salary was defeated 6-1.

“Do I think we have good administrators, yes. Is the district well run, yes,” Spangler said. “Do I consider a 2.5 percent increase a slap in the face to our administrators, no.”

He said considering the tough financial times many people in the district are living through, his proposal was reasonable.

“Many people are living paycheck to paycheck right now,” Spangler said.

He said his proposal would still give the district’s administrators a $2,000 increase or more.

“This is a chance for this Beatrice leadership team to show some leadership and protect the taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars,” Spangler said.

In an interview with the Daily Sun following the meeting, Board President Dave Niedfeldt said that the salary increases are meant to keep the district competitive with other districts. He said the Beatrice district uses an array of schools of similar size with similar positions and shoots to be at the mid point or a little above among those districts.

“It’s important that we stay competitive. We want to continue to have the best leadership possible in the district,” he said. “We’re proud of the administrative team we have, they do a wonderful job.”

Along with approving administrator salaries, the board approved a 4.97 percent raise for the classified staff. Classified staff includes all hourly staff, such as secretaries and custodians.

Administrator salaries for 2008-2009, followed by the 2007-2008 salary, are:

* Superintendent Dale Kruse, $133,457, up from $128,225.

* Director of Business Affairs Chris Nelson, $104,613, up from $100,390.

* High School Principal Jason Sutter, $98,317, up from $94,386.

* Middle School Principal Randy Schlueter, $93,616, up from $89,903.

* Paddock Lane and Stoddard Elementary Principal Betty Replogle, $88,460, up from $84,985.

* Lincoln and Cedar Elementary Principal Theresa Smith, $83,293, up from $80,057.

* High School Assistant Principal John Jarosh, $80,889, up from $77,764.

* Beatrice Middle School Assistant Principal David Kraus, $75,240, up from $72,376.

* Director of Curriculum/Assessment Summer Stephens, $86,922, up from $83,518.

* High School Associate Principal/Activities Director Neal Randel, $75,893, up from $73,000.

The salary of $89,500 for new Director of Student Programs Jami Jo Thompson was approved at a previous board meeting. Thompson fills the position vacated by the district’s previous director of student programs, Joy Dunnigan, whose salary for the 2007-08 school year was $90,420.

The raises approved Monday follow a 4.49 percent increase for the administrators, a 4.49 percent increase for the superintendent and a 4.66 percent increase for classified staff last year.

All posts are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.

Curious

Jul 15, 2008 12:17 PM

Do you parents feel you are getting your 4% worth?

Mike

Jul 15, 2008 1:11 PM

To Curious. No

Disappointed

Jul 15, 2008 1:39 PM

I'm extremely disappointed in the School Board members who voted for the salary increase. Mr. Spangler is correct when he states that many are living from paycheck to paycheck. I received a 2 percent raise this year, which amounted to 20 cents more an hour. Multiply that by 2080 hours that I work in a year, that raise gives me a whopping $416--BEFORE taxes! I'd gladly try to force myself to get by on $75,000+ in a year--I challenge them to try to consider what it is like to try to make ends meet on less than $20,000 a year--BEFORE taxes! Shame on them--being greedy at the tax payers expense!

VERY Discouraged

Jul 15, 2008 2:00 PM

I am very discouraged over this vote to AGAIN increase the administrator's salaries. Thank you Mr. Spangler for your thoughts and comments and for supporting the "common" citizens of Beatrice. Seems Mr. Spangler and Mr. Cossel are the ONLY board members ever interested in doing the RIGHT thing for our students and Beatrice taxpayers. Perhaps the other board members would like to pay these raises since they evidently can afford to????

Beatrice Parent

Jul 15, 2008 2:08 PM

To Mike and Curious...the answer is "Yes". I feel I am getting my 4 percent worth. These ladies and gentlemen have been great leaders for the district and very good role models for our young people. I am proud to have my children in the Beatrice Public School system. Usually those who complain are ones that are not involved in their childs education and have never met these individuals.

Involved Parent

Jul 15, 2008 4:07 PM

In response to "Beatrice Parent", please do not classify all of those who are against the wage increase as not being involved with their children's education. I do believe all of these educators do a great job, but we need to look at the bigger picture. With todays declining economy should the % of the raises have been so high??? Bravo, Mr. Spangler for being willing to stand up for what you believe in.

A Concerned Taxpayer

Jul 15, 2008 4:37 PM

Is this really the time for a 4% raise for anyone? While I agree our administrators are outstanding people that do a great job, they are not hurting for income, WE PAY THEM VERY GOOD! It is time for the school board to change their way of thinking. Their are plenty of qualified administrators out there if someone isn't satisfied with their wage increase. We have had good administrators in the past and will continue to get them without giving out larger raises then we can afford. My hats off to Mr. Spangler, he seems to be the only one that is looking at this from the right perspective!!

History Repeats Itself

Jul 15, 2008 9:48 PM

This seems to be a recurring theme with the BPS Board and Dr. Kruse. They seem content to the French program disappear, and slowly push our better teachers out in order to save a buck all while increasing administrator salaries. This has happened time and time again, sometimes when the teacher contracts weren't finalized yet! Yes, a cost-of-living increase is expected but 4% seems high in this current economic climate. With meal prices and transportation costs going up as well for everyone this seems to be a slap in the face to the public and teachers.

Typical

Jul 15, 2008 11:40 PM

The Rich Get Richer!

Increase

Jul 15, 2008 11:42 PM

We are paying the rich an additional $35,146 with this increase!

Would have been nice

Jul 16, 2008 8:21 AM

It would have been nice to see administration (or at least Dr. Kruse, who was present at the meeting) speak up and volunteer for the 3% increase in light of the current economic situation. It would have been an excellent model of leadership.

donavan

Jul 16, 2008 9:03 AM

I'm torn here. I would like to save taxpayers money especially in these hard times (Good try Jim Spangler - keep up the good work), but I also believe that educators deserve more for their work. I guess I'd rather see the raise go to the teachers.

Cossel and Spangler

Jul 16, 2008 9:07 AM

the only two who really listen and care but are in the minority on our school board, the rest play the company line. remember that next time you vote!!! And Vote!!

Everyone who got laid off..

Jul 16, 2008 9:29 AM

Im sure you want all our administrators to be able to keep the lifestyles they have become so accustomed to in our little village in the country!!

Wrong Career

Jul 16, 2008 9:37 AM

Dang! I need to get a job with the school system. I would only work 9 months and triple my salary!

Parent

Jul 16, 2008 11:21 AM

I agree as well that they get paid very well, however, as Mr. Niedfeldt said, they (Board) do comparisons with other districts and this is the kind of things they (Board) run into. How would you knowledgable people handle issues like this?

Just the Facts

Jul 16, 2008 11:38 AM

Fact: Several BPS Administrators are paid at or below what a similar job would be in a similar district. Fact: Economics have changed in the last few years. Please remember these professionals have worked hard to obtain the positions they currenlty have. I don't believe anyone should be paid less because "I feel like it," or "I think it's too much." Objectively, analyzing the the market value for these jobs should equal a fair wage. Lastly, be careful praising board members who wish to under pay anyone, as one will have to catch-up later and may ultimately cost more. Oh by the way, I too think the salaries are very good for this community. Thats what the market bares. P.S. average teacher salaries in BPS are over $45,000 + benefits/yr for about 9 months work. Just the facts.

Ingrid

Jul 16, 2008 11:48 AM

Why are the admins salaries always so easily raised, yet there is always such a struggle for teacher pay increases? I'm not saying these people don't earn what they deserve (well, some of them maybe) but the ones who do the hard work get paid the least (teachers.) Seems backwards.

Just the Facts

Jul 16, 2008 1:11 PM

I find it very amusing that this only applies to administrators, try this arqument concerning teachers etc. and you will get a VERY different response. Apparently they are the only ones who merit keeping! They were trying to cut everyone else's hours last year at every turn!!!

WOW

Jul 16, 2008 2:55 PM

I had no idea the schools paid this kind of salary. I don't have a problem with it. We should pay premium salaries for premium teachers of our children. We does gripe me that BPS keeps crying poor and has to cut this and that due to funding. The community more than willingly donates major money to the school booster clubs, fund raisers, etc. So know we know the school staff are making a decent living so stop whining and stay in your budget like the rest of us.

watchdog

Jul 16, 2008 4:46 PM

If you were to cut there salary in half and advertise that position in todays economy you would have people lined up for that job and look how it would benefit the taxpayers.

A Teacher

Jul 17, 2008 12:05 AM

ALL employees of a school system work more than 9 months out of the year. That is a common misconception. I myself, spend at least 2 hours a night after school hours on school related work. In the summer, I am preparing new material and my classroom for the next year, if I am not in mandated workshops. Salaries should reflect the professional, not the hours worked in a profession. While I do agree that a 4% increase is high, and that the majority of the increase should go to the teachers who are doing the work, we also need administrators to lead our district in the right direction.

Dont Agree

Jul 17, 2008 7:47 AM

Hey Watchdog....in regards to cutting the salaries in half you say alot of people will be lined up for the positions. But let's be honest...the quality of candidates probably wouldn't be very good. I would love to get paid what they get, but I have no idea how to do their job and admit I wouldn't qualify for their positions.

TO A TEACHER

Jul 17, 2008 9:07 AM

Teachers hours are not unreasonable. 8-330 ? Summers off? School break days and weeks off, such as spring break, Christmas vacation. Not bad at all, I work 8-6 and Saturday am.
That being said, you deserve a good salary. You are highly educated and hold the future of the world in your class room. HOWEVER, what does bother me is the complaining. Just take it, things could be much worse. In some school districts, school goes all year.

Parent of Students

Jul 17, 2008 11:32 AM

I know for a fact that teachers have wonderful hours. My children needed extra help, but the teachers involved had to leave at 3:40 to attend their own children's activities, so could not stay and offer any additional help to those students who needed it. They work from 7:30 to 3:30 at the high school with time off at lunch. How can I get a job with these hours, and still have at least a month off in the summer to spend with my children???? Please tell me how I can do this and still earn the big bucks!! I have the education!!!!

Administrator Salaries

Jul 17, 2008 2:58 PM

This isnt about Teachers and their salaries, its about our administrators getting a 4% raise in a community that has done nothing but lose jobs over the past two years! Who knows what will happen with BSDC! Please stay on the topic. We could have that discussion about teachers some other time, which I do think teachers work their behinds off.

Reason

Jul 18, 2008 7:37 AM

Doesn'y anyone think it is odd that the further you get away from the students the more money you make? The teachers have to outright fight every year for thier raises, but these people just simply say yes to the administrators.

I think they are all overpaid, and I am an involved parent. Involved enough to know that I will be moving to a school district north of here. The teachers are fine teacjers here, but the administation isn't worth half the salary they are making now.

Scott

Jul 18, 2008 8:17 AM

WOW, I'll take a $2.00 an hour raise anytime!!!

To Parents of Students

Jul 18, 2008 10:43 AM

How do you get these hours? Become a teacher, duh! But I'll bet it isn't as pretty as it sounds. Do you have a Master's degree? That is what most teachers have nowadays.

Concerned Parent

Jul 18, 2008 12:02 PM

These getting the raise are not the educators...the REAL work goes on in the classroom, and the pay raise should go to the educators enriching and enlarging our youths minds and understanding of the world in which they live.

Concerned Parent

Jul 18, 2008 12:11 PM

This is concerning the post by "To A Teacher." You OBVIOUSLY are NOT a teacher or you would understand our hours go beyond that time. While on the wonderful Christmas break, I spend MANY hours grading papers and preparing for the next semester. While on my 3 month summer vacation, I am preparing lessons throughout the 3 months for the next year in order to keep my classroom fresh, and most of us take several workshops throughout the summer. These workshops are from 8-4 on our "vacations." If you average the hours I put in, I barely make minimum wage...I don't do it for the money...I do it for the LOVE of the profession and my kids in the classroom. I arrive at school by 7 each morning and leave after 4 only to return several days a week each week while school is in session and during Christmas break in the evening to work with many students 2-3 hours from 7-10 p.m., so please do not judge what hours we keep unless you stand in our shoes!

Enough

Jul 18, 2008 12:21 PM

This is not about what teachers earn - I don't think we would be so concerned about that although with all the layoffs in Beatrice, a 4% increase in pay is probably not what most people would approve. However, this increase is for the ADMINISTRATORS - i.e., the superintendent, the high school principal, etc. They are living "high on the hog" in their expensive homes over in the Belvedere distict. Hey guys, wouldn't a 2% increase be more in keeping with the present economic structure in Beatrice? Hey, step forward, and ask for less!!! We middle class citizens would have a lot more respect for Sutter, Kruse, and the others if they would step forward and ask for less - instead of more!!! Let's give them 2% and the teachers 4%!!!!! The teachers are who are making the difference in our childrens's education!!!! Few people could argue that point!

I SECOND THAT....

Jul 18, 2008 1:30 PM

I've got to second what "Enough" said. All approved say "I". Resounding "I's" heard throughtout Beatrice.

The "bigwigs" will never turn it down though.

Do we need a full-time Director of Programs as we continue to cut programs?

TO Concerned Parent

Jul 18, 2008 1:54 PM

I wrote To: A teacher.
First of all, my post said you deserve every penney you are making and then some. I said all that. I work 730 to 6 everyday. I also work Sat mornings. I don't get summers off and I don't get a week at Christmas. I get 10 days a year for PTO which is sick time or time off. That is it. After I get off work, I go home and work. Sometimes I go to the school activities in the evenings. I can't go during the day because I have to work to pay my rent and for my kids lunch. From my perspective, I beleive teaching is a wonderful profession that molds our children's lives, but I think you should realize that your chosen profession is a good one to have.

Concerned Parent of Teenagers

Jul 18, 2008 2:24 PM

This comment is to the teacher who wrote concerning all the hours that she puts in: What school do you teach at and if at MS or HS, what subjects do you teach? I want to be sure to get my students in your classes! You sound like a dedicated teacher who deserves a pay increase!

Amazing

Jul 18, 2008 6:46 PM

The fact that they make so much money and I barely even know wbo any of them are (other than the principals) says a lot about their involvement in our community as a whole. Bet they dont want to have to hang around us lowly taxpayers!!

Bill

Jul 18, 2008 9:16 PM

This is a JOKE-----if anyone deserves a 4% increase it is the teachers---what is going on here??? What are some of these postions listed---why do we need "vice-principals" and an "activites director" and a director of "curriculum" ??? Maybe the "principals" could absorb some of these "jobs". Where's the comman sense this day and age. As Earl Pitts says "wake up America" !!!

Get the Facts Straight

Jul 19, 2008 5:50 AM

To the Concerend Parent who talks about all the hours the teacher puts in during the year. You talk about the time you spend in the summer, Christmas break, etc. working on your classroom studies. Why don't yout alk about the teachers who spend their time working at the swimming pool and enjoying their time off, or the coach who goes to K-State to coach at a basketball camp, or the teacher who spends most of his summer on the golf course breaking the record for playing the most holes in one day, or the teacher who gets on their "Woody" boat and hits the lake thru out the summer. I am working long hours during the summer to feed my family and pay the bills. Bills such as health insurance which I was told the taxpayers of the area pay for yours! And in the winter when six feet of snow falls and they call off school, I still have to get in my auto and go to work that day. My boss doesn't give me a snow day! Lets get the facts staright!

Concerned Parent

Jul 19, 2008 7:39 AM

This to To a "Concerned Parent of Teenagers." I LOVE my profession and dedicate MUCH time to it as I feel it is more than a job...it is a calling, and I do put in many hours to improve myself and my classroom as do many teachers. I teach high school English, and I love it! My "kids" throughout the year have taught me so much. I am truly blessed to be doing what I do.

Concerned Parent

Jul 19, 2008 7:44 AM

This to To a "To a Teacher." I average 12 hours a day; 365 days a year when you total my hours throughout the year for all the teaching and extracurricular things I do at school. On top of that, I myself have children in school, and I am unable to attend daytime things too as I also have a JOB, so I have to attend in the evenings...sometimes I have to miss those too, though, because I have a conflict in my work schedule even in the evening. Yes, I am truly blessed to do what I do and I recognize that wholeheartedly, but do not judge a teacher's hours unless you truly know what he or she does outside the classroom hours to provide your children with the best possible education!

Amazed and Concerned

Jul 19, 2008 9:29 AM

Why can't we all get along? The comments on this page concern me. We should be working together instead of being critical of one another. What started out as a discussion of administrative salaries has now turned into a bashing of our educational system in Beatrice. Please, let's all be positive. Thanks to the administrators for all they do in our school system...thanks to the teachers for being dedicated to our kids...and thanks to the school board members who volunteer their time. Let's stop all the negative comments and start thinking in a positive direction. Why are people so critical of others?

Vote in November

Jul 19, 2008 1:46 PM

Come November we will be given the opportunity to vote for new school board members. Thank goodness! Maybe we'll get a few more on the board that REALLY represent the taxpayers of this city. Many of us appreciate all that Spangler and Cossel have done to try to make it better so far. Keep up the great work guys!

Teacher from another district

Jul 19, 2008 6:02 PM

I am a teacher from another nearby district, and to be honest, these comments I read are the exact reason I feel fortunate not to live and teach in Beatrice anymore. I only hope that most of the bashers here do NOT have children, because if you do, the appreciation you show (or lack of) for the people who spend more time with your children than yourselves in some cases is flat out sickening.

Administrators and teachers deserve respect from the Beatrice community. Are the hours good and pay good, I won't debate that with you. But in my opinion, how can you put a price/criticize their jobs when they are caring for your kids?

I will agree though with the one comment about why are adminstrator salaries so easily approved when teacher contracts are fought to the extreme.

Thank you to the staff that works with the children of Beatrice, and don't let these negative people say otherwise.

Facto

Jul 19, 2008 9:10 PM

The 4% is just the salary. It does not include any benefits, insurance, etc.....When teacher salaries come out it will include those and the % will seem higher than what it really is. Plus teachers have to spend thousands of dollars to take classes to move on the salary schedule. When they move by paying their own money that is not included. All that is included is the total amount and that is why it will look like teachers get a higher % increase than what they really do. As for all of you complaining about the wrong job well go to college and MAKE A CHOICE to better yourself. There will be a teaching shortage in a few years. Quit complaining and take responsibilty for your life.

Enough

Jul 21, 2008 6:08 PM

To FACTO: You sound as if you may be one of the "administrator" types! It must not be a bad job - after all, look where you live compared to other citizens in Beatrice. Kruse and Sutter and the others are living in much more expensive homes than the average citizen in Beatrice!!! Pay must be good to afford your style of life.

Economy Depressed

Jul 22, 2008 8:56 AM

Our local economy is floundering trying to stay afloat but our administrators get a record 4% raise! My property taxes are ridiculous AGAIN but Beatrice Administrators get a 4% raise? If I COULD sell my house believe me ID MOVE!!

BHS Supporter

Jul 28, 2008 10:56 AM

This is a school board issue. Spangler and Cossel are the only two that have any guts. I hope it will be better when the members that were hand picked by Kruse are off. I would love to see Coleman get on to shake things up. Kruse and Nelson watch your backs, there is a new day coming. Neslon a 2 year degree and earning over 100k per year. Sad!!!

BPS administrative salary increase approved

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