2 percent pay hike for Elmbrook's top leaders
Despite raises, cost falls as positions, benefits cut
Salary and benefits for Elmbrook School District administrators, not including the superintendent, will increase an average of 2 percent for the 2010-11 school year.
The increase comprises roughly a 1 percent pay raise and a 1 percent increase in benefits.
That compensation boost is much smaller than typical past increases, which have averaged between 3.9 and 4.1 percent, Superintendent Matt Gibson said. But because of decreasing revenue, larger increases are no longer viable.
"This is a different kind of recommendation this year, primarily because the economy is different and the (district's) five-year financial plan calls for something different," he said.
Gibson and School Board members said the increase balances the needs to recognize staff work, be sensitive to financial difficulties in the private sector and use district finances wisely.
After the pay bump, Christine Hedstrom, district assistant superintendent for human resources, will remain Elmbrook's highest-paid administrator. Hedstrom's pay will increase $1,816 to $117,190.
The School Board approved the general compensation increase Jan. 12 and individual administrator contracts Tuesday.
Benefits cut back
The compensation increases will be offset by several benefit concessions included in administrators' 2010-11 contracts.
The employee share of health and dental insurance premiums will increase from 5 to 10 percent. Administrators not in the district's wellness program will see premium shares increase from 10 to 20 percent.
Starting in September, the district will offer administrators a consumer-driven health savings account plan, with incentives to encourage new hires to join the HSA plan.
The new contract also removes a provision that allowed employees to recoup part of their deductible cost for physical examinations and for vehicle damage that occurred while on school business.
Administrators also will have five furlough days.
Middle ground favored
Board member Glen Allgaier said he had planned to advocate for a salary freeze, but was satisfied that even with the pay increase the total cost of district administrators will drop because of positions eliminated through attrition.
Board member Meg Wartman said she and Jean Lambert, who comprise the board's Personnel Committee, considered a salary freeze but ultimately settled on middle ground: a moderate pay increase offset by other concessions in compensation.
"We tried to address what was happening in our budget, yet continue to value our administrative people, who are doing more with less," Wartman said.
Board member Tom Gehl said he supported the compensation increase because of the benefit cuts.
The board is expected to discuss Gibson's salary for 2010-11 on Feb. 9.
AT A GLANCE
Including a recently approved 2 percent increase in salary and benefits, the top five highest-paid administrators in the Elmbrook School District are:
$117,190 (up $1,816 over 2009-10 pay) - Christine Hedstrom, assistant superintendent for human resources
$114,790 (up $1,794) - Keith Brightman, assistant superintendent for finance and operations
$114,650 (up $2,287*) - Eileen Depka, assistant superintendent for educational services
$111,110 (up $1,759) - Brett Bowers, Brookfield East High School Principal
$111,110 (up $1,759) - Don Labonte, Brookfield Central High School Principal
*Depka's 2010-11 salary includes an extra $500 in compensation for additional training
FYI
For a complete list of Elmbrook administrator salaries and 2010-11 compensation increases, see: http://www.elmbrookschools.org/display/displayFile.aspx?docid=11568&filename=/User/chetneyc/Board_Packets/2010/January_26/3A5.pdf.
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