Salem to keep Ramunno as superintendent
By LARRY SHIELDS
POSTED: May 17, 2008
SALEM — The school board will vote on whether to renew interim Superintendent Lou Ramunno’s contract during Monday’s meeting at 7 p.m. in the high school library.
In a prepared statement, the school board said in light of progress in the last nine months, if the contract is renewed, it would retain Ramunno’s services through July of 2009.
His contract expires on Aug.1.
His per diem salary is $350, unchanged from his current contract and Ramunno will receive vacation days and additional retirement contributions.
Ramunno’s salary is 13 percent below the state superintendent average and by paying his own health insurance the cost is lowered more.
Board President Dr. Joe Rottenborn said, “Lou has been such a positive force for the district; he’s a good person and a skilled administrator.
“He served our district when it needed him. Lou is an excellent leader.”
Ramunno is credited with facilitating an agreement to save the district over $1 million a year in health insurance costs; helped set goals of academic achievement, enrollment increases and financial stability; and has worked closely with Treasurer Jill Rowe to guide the district out of Fiscal Watch, expected by mid-summer.
Rottenborn said, “This agreement is a win-win. We would have an experienced superintendent stay on and continue his good work for the district, gain some time to find our next superintendent , and save the district money.”
Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net
