The school board conducted its final evaluation of Superintendent Ken Gutman for the school year. Board President Bill Walters released results at their July 8 meeting, stating ‘Overall, the board has found that Mr. Gutman has substantially completed foundational work on identified district areas of focus for 2008-09.?
The positive appraisal could have earned Gutman a pay raise, but the superintendent announced that he and the two assistant superintendents, Jillynn Keppler and Heidi Kast, will take a pay freeze instead.
Currently, Gutman makes $158,140 annually, not including his benefits package, according to Administrative Assistant Lynn Mills. Administrators as well as other staff will be in negotiations this summer to determine final salaries and benefit packages.
‘In summary, the board finds that Mr. Gutman has met the ambitious goals established for his first year as superintendent, and continues to exemplify the highest quality of educational leadership for the Lake Orion community and its students,? said the school board’s evaluation summary.
During the performance assessment, the board uses a set of eight criterion similar to national and Michigan Association of School Board standards, said President Walters. Gutman presented the group with goals and targets he had for the year which were set against the criterion rubric.
?(The evaluation process) is constantly under development,? Walters said. ‘I don’t think we left anything out. Every board member had a chance to speak and ask questions.?
In their assessment summary, the board praised Gutman’s work in curriculum and instruction alignment, data analysis and school improvement, but said technology improvements are under par.
‘Work is still necessary in the focus area of instructional technology, but the board recognizes that financial limitations have hindered progress in that area,? their report said.