By Staff
NILES – Niles Community Schools has extended the contract of superintendent Doug Law.
The district's board of education made the announcement Monday night during its regularly scheduled meeting. Dana Daniels, board president, stated in a press release one of the keys to the success of Niles schools has been "stability in the superintendent's office."
"Several larger school districts in Michigan will be looking for new superintendents this spring and Mr. Law will be a highly sought-after candidate. The board wanted to make sure that Mr. Law would continue to lead the school district for the next several years," Daniels added.
Law's contract was extended until 2010, and he will also receive an additional week of vacation time. Law's current agreement was not set to expire for another year and a half. His current salary is $110,838.
Niles has had only four superintendents in the past 40 years. Law, 57, started with Niles schools in 1971 as a fifth grade teacher at Howard Elementary School and was appointed superintendent in 2001.
Daniels stated in the release the board has been pleased with Law's leadership of Niles schools, and stated he has "done an excellent job of managing its finances during a difficult era in state funding. Since Law has been superintendent the district has finished every budget year in the black," he added.
Three of the district's schools also received 'A' grades on state report cards, and student achievement is at an all time high, Daniels stated in the release. He also added early contract agreements have been made with all employee groups and relationships between them and the board are positive.
"Niles is our home, and my wife and I want to complete our careers here," Law stated in the release. "I am appreciative of the positive working relationship I have with the board of education. I look forward to working with the board on its efforts to improve the school district. The district is on a very positive track. The next big challenge we have is to improve our facilities."
Niles is preparing a two-part bond proposal for elementary upgrades and school safety and renovation of Eastside Elementary School. The tentative cost of proposal A is $38.35 million requiring 3.95 mills across a period of 29.87 years. The projected price for proposal B is $2.4 million and .25 mills for 29.87 years.
Law also said the extension would show stability toward employees and help with the transition of new director of business and finance Thomas Skarbek. Skarbek, who will assume the position starting Jan. 15, is replacing Bob Wright, who has held the job since 1985.