School Committee Renews Superintendent Contract, Gives Raise

The School Committee renewed Superintendent Kathleen Willis’ contract earlier this week. The committee unanimously approved the renewal, which shows the committee’s confidence in her, according to School Committee Chairman Mel Webster.

Willis’ contract is extended by one year, which means that she still has three years on her contract.

“This is the third time we have done this for Superintendent Willis and it shows the committee’s confidence in her and demonstrates that we are extremely pleased with the job she has done and we want to make sure she stays in North Reading,” Webster said.

The committee also gave her a two percent cost of living increase in her salary. Her current salary is $160,000, which means that it will be increased by $3,200, according to Webster.

Willis’ current contract has a clause, which requires the town to pay her if she leaves the district for any unused vacation days, up to 25, Webster said. That number was increased to 30 days.

The number of sick days she can accrue increased from 45 to 90.

“This simply means that she can accrue up to 90 days and use them as sick days as necessary,” Webster said.