Schools superintendent contract wins approval

The Sisters School Board gave a hearty and unanimous approval to a two-year contract extension worked out between Board Chair Don Hedrick and Superintendent Jim Golden.

Hedrick and the board have expressed their concerns in the past about the "rapid rotation" of superintendents in the district. They have also expressed their concerns about potential burn-out, given that Golden is wearing many hats besides superintendent, including, effectively, principal of Sisters Elementary School and special-education director.

Hedrick negotiated this agreement, which extends Golden's current contract for an additional two years past the current year and includes no salary increase and a few adjustments on vacation dates.

In other board activities, board member Cheryl Stewart reported attending the grand-opening of the skate park at SPRD.

"It was awesome," said Stewart. "What I liked most about it was the fact that it was student-led, student-driven and student-used. It is also a tribute to Sisters High teacher Daniel O'Neill, who helped guide the students through all the hurdles and all of the difficulties. Thanks are also due to some very generous contributors from the community."

"The posture of this district and the park and recreation district and the collaboration that now exists between them is unprecedented," said board member Andrew Gorayeb. "Had it not been for that collaboration and cooperation, that skate park would not exist."