LTHS Board Of Education Extends Superintendent Contract Through June 2027

LOCKPORT, IL – At its Oct. 20, meeting, the Lockport Township High School District 205 Board of Education voted unanimously to extend Superintendent Dr. Robert McBride Jr.’s contract by one year, through June 30, 2027.

According to a news release from the District, McBride, who has served as Superintendent since 2019, currently has a contract set to expire on June 30, 2026. The approved addendum extends his leadership for an additional year and establishes a base salary of $247,634.48 for the 2025-2026 contract year. For the 2026-2027 contract year, the Board will increase the Superintendent’s annual salary by four percent.

The extension also includes updated performance goals and benefits consistent with district standards, the District said.

“We’re very grateful to Dr. McBride for his willingness to stay on for an additional year. He is a highly successful superintendent who has accomplished so much for our district. His continued leadership will give our newly elected board the time to work together, evaluate our needs, and plan thoughtfully for the district’s next superintendent. This extension ensures stability and consistency as we move forward with major projects and prepare for a smooth transition in leadership,” said Dr. Veronica Shaw, LTHS D205 Board President.

This contract extension allows the Board to conduct a superintendent search during the 2026-2027 school year while maintaining continuity of leadership throughout major district projects and initiatives, according to a news release.

The Board said it asked McBride to remain for one additional year before his planned retirement in order to:

• "Build cohesion as a newly elected Board by working together with a successful superintendent for a full year.
• Allow time to plan and prepare thoughtfully for the district’s next superintendent.
• Provide smoothness and consistency throughout the superintendent search process, through the transition to a new superintendent, and as that individual becomes acclimated to the district and ongoing facility projects.
• Ensure stable leadership through the completion of current construction work and planning already in progress."

  “I want to thank the Board of Education and our community for the opportunity to continue serving through the 2026–2027 school year,” said McBride. “When Veronica first approached me about extending my contract, Katie and I reflected deeply on what matters most to us in public education. Serving this community and seeing our shared work through means a great deal to us. I am grateful to end my career in public education here—among our students, staff, and families. This decision has brought me back to why I chose to become a township high school superintendent in the first place: to stay close to people, visit classrooms, attend events, and remain connected to students as an educator and community member. Thank you for allowing me to finish this work in such a meaningful way.”