District 303 school board extends superintendent’s contract
Members of the St. Charles Unit District 303 school board have approved a five-year contract extension for Superintendent Paul Gordon, more than a year before his existing contract is set to expire.
The board unanimously approved the contract during a special meeting on Monday.
Gordon’s new contract will come with a 3% pay raise and establishes a new set of goals, including improvements to safety and communication.
Gordon has served as superintendent since July 2022, after the school board approved a three-year contract earlier that year. The new contract will go into effect on July 1 and expire on June 30, 2029. It will supersede the final year of Gordon’s current contract.
Before the vote, board member Heidi Fairgrieve noted that the new contract cleans up some of the language of the previous contract but does not include any major changes.
Under Gordon’s current contract, which was set to expire on June 30, 2025, he was paid $267,800 for the 2023-24 contract year.
He will receive a 3% pay increase over the previous year for a base salary of $275,834 during the 2024-25 contract year.
Per the contract, Gordon’s base salary may increase by up to 3% each year based on merit, under the discretion of the board.
“Since joining District 303, the board has been thankful for Dr. Gordon’s strong leadership, exhibited by his dedication to engaging with staff and families in order to improve student outcomes,” Fairgreive said in a news release. “This new contract signifies our support of his work and trust in the initiatives ahead.”
Under the new contract, Gordon will continue to receive 25 paid vacation days and 15 sick days per year. He also will be provided a monthly travel allowance of $600 and a $500,000 term life insurance policy. In addition, his cell phone bills will be paid by the district.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my service as superintendent for the District 303 community into the future,” Gordon said in a news release. “Thank you to the board for their support of our work as a district and confidence in our long-term strategies. I look forward to continuing to engage with our staff, families and community members to enhance the overall educational experience for our students.”
Key initiatives Gordon has overseen during his tenure include the development of a new five-year strategic plan, new elementary and middle school boundaries, and new contracts with the district’s three employee unions.
Per the contract, the school board reserves the right to terminate the pact if Gordon fails to meet student performance and academic goals outlined in the contract.