Elmbrook Makes an Offer to Superintendent Candidate

A Pewaukee School District administrator Wednesday was reviewing a proposed contract offer to become Elmbrook's next superintendent.

The Elmbrook School Board met in closed session Monday night to discuss the terms of the contract offer — such as salary and benefits — to the sole finalist for the job, Mark Hansen.

Keith Brightman, Elmbrook's assistant superintendent for finance, operations and human resources, said in an e-mail Wednesday that the board reviewed a draft contract, revisited salary and compensation comparable data, and set board contract authority. 

Brightman said he and School Board President Tom Gehl presented the contract to Hansen Tuesday night and was awaiting his response Wednesday. Brightman would not comment on the terms of the offer.

"Our goal is to have the signed contract ready for the Feb. 28 Board meeting," Brightman said.

The contract would be set for final action Tuesday, not a two-meeting discussion-action sequence, he said. He said he believed it was common for area school boards to approve new hire superintendent contracts on the first agenda they appear.

The district advertised through its consultant search firm it would offer an annual salary "in the range of $185,000, plus a comprehensive benefit package."

A recruitment flyer added: "The final salary for the successful candidate will be negotiated and determined based upon proven experience, qualifications, and meeting board criteria."

Elmbrook Superintendent Matt Gibson, who is retiring in June after 17 years leading the district, was paid an annual salary of about $156,490 in the 2010-11 school year, according to state Department of Public Instruction data.