PORT TOWNSEND — School District Superintendent Tom Opstad’s contract has been extended for three years at the same annual salary he earned for the 2008-2009 school year.
The contract, approved Monday night by a vote of 4-0 with Rita Beebe absent, extends Opstad’s contract to June 30, 2012, and pays an annual salary of $114,759 plus benefits to lead the district, which has 1,419 students.
Before the approval, Port Townsend School Board Chairwoman Beth Young announced the board had removed a $2,000 stipend owed to Opstad in his previous contract, which was to be used for continued education for his position.
During the 2007-2008 school year, Opstad was making $110,000 a year. He received a raise in 2008.
Before the decision, the board recessed into a closed executive session to conduct a performance review of the superintendent, who joined the district in 2005.
Opstad said the extension allows him to keep working on long-term goals for the district, which may include a new school building.
Schools
The district has determined that replacement or serious repair of both the Port Townsend High School and Grant Street Elementary will be needed in the near future.
“I think we will continue with the idea of looking for one elementary, one middle and one high school,” Opstad said.
“At the same time, we need to look at ways to strengthen the facilities and have some concrete plans on the table.”
Revenue will stop being collected for a bond for construction at Blue Heron Middle School in 2012, and that might be the time to seek a new revenue source, he said.
“To have some continuity, it would make some sense in order to layer in funding for the facilities,” Opstad said.
“But we have a number of concerns to address with the facilities, and that will come up for discussion in August.”
In August and September, the board plans to address not only facilities, but also updating curriculum and planning for the campus of the Mountain View Elementary School, which was closed this month.
Opstad has spoken with Port Townsend City Manager David Timmons about leasing the Mountain View campus.
“Early discussions are around $5,500 a month as a lease rate,” Opstad said.
“But the city is also taking over all maintenance at the site, so that isn’t close to a final number.
“We are working on a draft lease for the public to be available before the public meeting.”
Public meeting
A public meeting on the proposed lease is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. July 13 in the Lincoln Building, 450 Fir St., Port Townsend.
The lease under discussion would be for five years, with a clause allowing the district the option of returning the property to instructional use after adequate notice to the city.
As lessee, the city would maintain and operate the entire property, including the swimming pool.
The city plans to use the property for a variety of purposes, such as relocating the police department, temporarily housing the library during its planned remodeling, offering space for YMCA programs and other public services as agreed to by both parties.
Comment for or against the proposed lease can be made in writing in advance of the public hearing and sent to the District Office, 450 Fir St., Port Townsend.
Following consideration of any public comment, the Port Townsend School Board may act on the proposed lease at its regularly scheduled meeting July 13 or delay action until a later date.
________
Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
