Sep 27, 2016 2 min read

Belle Vernon Area School Board on Monday voted 7-2 to renew Superintendent John Wilkinson’s contract for a five-year term effective July 1, 2017.

This renewal includes a $3,000 salary increase per year. His present salary is $152, 981.

Board member Joel Whiteko voted against the renewal and said that he was not happy with the $3,000 increase due to the fact the district recently raised taxes to the maximum rate.

Board member Gloria Yuschak also voted against the renewal and said that she was disappointed that the process of renewing the contract did not include the input and opinion of the entire board. Yuschak also said the $3,000 increase was an issue due to the tax increase and said that a freeze would have been more appropriate.

Vice Presidnet Lou Rood voted for the renewal but said he would have recommended a smaller increase in salary and a shorter contract with the option of two more years. Rood said he has found it refreshing to work with Wilkinson. “He has saved the district a tremendous amount of money,” Rood said.

President Joe Grata said Wilkinson has not only lived up to expectations, but often goes above and beyond the call of duty. Grata said over the past four years, Wilkinson has brought about many positive changes to the district, such as upgraded curriculum, improved technology and building restoration.

Grata said the entire board did discuss the contract at a workshop session. He said that the contract is less than what Wilkinson sought but more than some board members were comfortable with.

Grata, in a written statement, provided salaries of superintendents in comparable school districts:

• Southmoreland – $153,367, starting fifth year as superintendent

• Yough – $151,123, starting fifth year as superintendent

• Hempfield – $168,039, starting fourth year as superintendent.

He said that through negotiations Wilkinson and the board ended up “in the middle” resulting in what he believes is a fair and competitive contract with other top school districts in Westmoreland County and the region.

“By retaining Dr. Wilkinson, and when we work together, the school district, students, staff and community can expect to see more of the positive progress of recent years,” Grata said.

Wilkinson thanked the board for its support. “We’re on a roll. Let’s keep it going,” he said.