Lakeville

Board approves contract for new superintendentThe Lakeville school board last week approved a three-year contract with its new superintendent, Lisa Snyder.

Snyder, who previously led public schools in Merrill, Wis., will earn $169,500 in base pay this year, though that figure will be prorated because she's starting several weeks into the district's fiscal year.

Her contract calls for paying her a base salary of $175,000 in 2012-13 and $180,000 the next year, plus performance pay based on evaluations.

The agreement lacks controversial severance language that was included in former Superintendent Gary Amoroso's contract.

Amoroso and the board drew criticism this summer when residents learned that he would get severance pay of $91,700, even though he left voluntarily for another job.

He also qualified for $91,000 in accrued sick leave and health and dental benefits that could total more than $178,000 over 10 years.

Snyder will not get severance pay or reimbursement for unused sick leave under her contract. Instead of continuing her health benefits after she leaves, the district will pay $7,000 per year of service to a health reimbursement plan, payments that she can access only after leaving her job.

Another key difference in the contracts: The district will match contributions of up to $8,500 a year that Snyder makes to a deferred compensation plan, compared to a cap of $2,000 in Amoroso's contract.

Board seeks advisory committee membersThe Lakeville school board is seeking five members to serve on its finance advisory committee. Terms are one, two and three years, and meetings are held at least quarterly.

Applications are due by Aug. 31, and forms are available at www.isd194.k12.mn.us and in the district office.

Sarah Lemagie