School Board OKs Extension of Superintendent’s Contract

Jeff Patterson, the superintendent of the Lakewood City Schools, will remain at the helm of the district for at least several more years.

The school board unanimously approved extending his contract, even though it wasn’t set to expire until July 2014.

Patterson’s new contract runs through July 31, 2019. 

During his time with the district, Patterson has guided the schools through the tail-end of the Great Recession, presided over the passage of a recent 3.9-mill operating levy and will now oversee the $79 million construction project to rebuild/renovate the district’s facilities. 

School board vice president Linda Beebe said she agrees with Patterson’s vision to make the district one of the top-20 within the next seven years.

“This is why we’re extending Jeff’s contract, so he can accomplish the things he’s been talking about,” she said. “It was a vote of confidence for the superintendent and the district. If you look at where we’re going, this is an exciting time.”

In addition, the board also OK’d about 16 other hires in the district.

“The many changes in our administrative ranks that have come about by a combination of retirements and professional advancement has created a great opportunity for us to add some significant talent to our leadership team and reassess where that talent will best serve the district,” said Patterson in a news release. 

For more on the district’s new hire, click here.