When people start complaining about the high salaries of 308 administrators, I hope they remember that in this case there is no one to blame, but the board.

On a positive note, good luck to Mr. O'Malley.

This is BS does money grow on trees for these disconnected people. Time for a change of the board. Lets get real. Maybe the next flooring bid to the schools can be $60K higher.

Wow! This school board really has the best interest of the school district and tax payers don't they? $40K more than the last person doing the same job!!!! Some people don't make $40K/year! Why is this school board so adamant about giving away the farm? This isn't a position that requires some kind of rocket science!

You that voted for this school board I hope you're please with the money they're spending?

Wow, if you include the search firm's money + the anticipated superintendent salary and search + this salary you're talking about 115k in new, probably un-budgeted expenditures. That's 3 or 4 bus routes or 1.5 - 2 teachers or 3-4 TA's. it appears that the board is more than willing to pay top dollar for new administrators. These hires better work out and work out well. Fiscally conservative board....Maybe they should have tried to work better with the curent/previous admin. and saved us all a lot of money. Hiring new people certainly isn't.

Hmm...when I hire and go above & beyond what has been budgeted for compensation, I need to have very solid reasoning and documentation to back up why I need to go that high. I usually make adjustments on the expense side to offset that expense because there isn't always that flexibility on the revenue side of things.

I hope that we will hear something from the board that mirrors what so many of us in the private sector and Corporate America are expected to do when these situations arise. It's called a justification, and I think we are all waiting to hear it. Board members???? You're up!

This school board was elected because we thought they would save us money.... Where is this new found money coming from?

I'm still confused as to how they have already hired for the position with Ray and Associates as the search firm. They didn't approve the contract with Ray and Associates until last nights board meeting. Did they sign the contract at a previous meeting in a closed session?

Well, it's a good thing they're being financially responsible isn't it?

Let us not forget also that this new 'assistant' superintendent wasn't hired by either the current superintendent, or the incoming superintendent. In fact, probably without any input from anyone but their own little gang of 7.

A 27% increase for the same position begs the question: is Mr. O'Malley that good, or was Neubauer that incompetent?

Mr. O'Malley was the only person brought for a second interview for the Jacksonville, IL School District 117's Superintendent position. On Saturday, he turned down that opportunity in order to take the Assistant Superintendent position in Oswego. I view it as a positive that a school district board independent from the one in Oswego thought highly about Mr. O'Malley and was ready to hire him for their top position. I join others in wishing Mr. O'Malley well.

http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/superintendent-39437-candidate-district.html

This is the board that is "fiscally responsible" and looks out for taxpayers? Hope whomever voted them in is happy with there decisions! Funny? Where is Hoffer lately? No comments about the rash spending Lee?

This salary is outrageous!! With the recent turnover among administrators, this was the perfect time to DOWNGRADE the assistant superintendent positions to directors or managers and to CUT salaries. What makes this guy so valuable to us??

If we have assistant superintendents, then why are we spending more money for a nation-wide search for a new superintendent? Those administrators should be in training and available to take over the top job; otherwise, they aren't worth their salt. School Board, I've been highly supportive in the past. This was a bone-head move.

Katra, Thanks, that was the point I was (clumsily) trying to make. That he will make more money here for a lesser job.

So what are they going to pay a new superintendent? Hold on to your wallet!! Besides a $180,000 salary, I'll bet there is a monthly car allowance, cell phone, insurance policy or annuity!! Better ask for additional details under the Freedom of Information Act on this one!

I'm wondering if there are any relocation benefits being paid to any of these new employees. It would be unusual to not pay for relo benefits with this sort of job ranking. Not that I'm advocating for it, but relo benefits for a new hire homeowner average around $70K. It's about time that we start some FOIA requests to find any hidden costs with these jobs.

I've given the shirt off my back now I'm about to lose my pants. What on God's green earth were they thinking? We all think our taxes are high now, just wait. For anyone owning a business in this town it's going to be a bumpy ride. Who's going to have the disposable income to get new carpeting or dine at your restaurant? This town is headed for the big black hole of bankruptcy.
They always say be careful what you wish for.

Seriously? They are giving the replacement a raise? Where can I submit my resume? In these times most people are just happy to have a job, let alone get a new job with a raise. How can they justify this extra expense? Oh I forgot, they are eliminating bus service and making kids walk. Well that makes sense. GREAT JOB SCHOOL BOARD. Hope you guys have your resumes updated because I really don't think you will be retained come next election.

on second thought, maybe you can get hired by the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance as an assistant making $100,000.00. Wait that might be a drop from school board member.

Oh look... They have lots more time to spend our money!! Recall??

Board of Education and Members Term Expires
Bill Walsh, President 2015
Alison Swanson, Vice President 2015
Laurie Pasteris, Secretary 2013
David Behrens 2013
Lynn Cullick 2013
Brent Lightfoot 2015
Mike Scaramuzzi 2013

Thanks to all who thought electing this BOE was a good idea. "Cost saving BOE" ......yeah, right. Our kids are having classes cut from their HS schedules next year due to budget issues (or so we are told). Not "frivolous" classes like so many vocal people complain about here on the Patch, but core-related classes that are important in preparation for college. So...very...frustrating! Thanks BOE for keeping the kids' educations a priority. <cough>

How do we go about Re-calling the school board.. We as tax payers (ie their bosses), must have the ability to police them??? I am really questioning why we have a school board, seems that Dr. O'Donnell was making decent decisions and that he was driven out by our current board. Does anyone have any knowledge on the legal right we have to oust out current school board prior to their term expiring.

It's time to consolidate all there salaries in the administration office and combine kindergarten and 1st grade classes. Studies show that a multi level classroom in more educational for the students.

The Board President actually had a prepared statement last night, in which he patted himself and the rest of the Board on the back for being so closely involved in the interviewing and hiring. He went on to justify why he believes the Board should be intimately involved in these decisions, specifically, so that the new hires could have direct interaction with the Board. The problem is that Mr. O'Malley has had little to no direct interaction with the public or his future staff before being hired.

Sadly, there is no legal provision under which this BOE can be recalled. They either have to resign or be removed by the Superintendent. How about getting a Petition going asking of all of them to resign?

I think the larger issue is why is the leadership of the district suddenly leaving like rats off a sinking ship?

It is hard to believe in this day of unemployment that they couold not hire a Superintendent & a Finance Chief for less money than they were paying previously. If I were a teacher I would be irate. And as someone already mentionmed, the recruiter is going to push for a higher salary because they get a percentage. You can not tell me that their are not competent people working in School Districts to the west of us how would not jump at the chance to come to Oswego for less than previous salary & then prove their worth for future raises. What is the Board thinking of?

Again, we're paying $40K more to a new employee to do the same job as one who has left. Again, the school board does an apples to oranges comparison and calls it apples to apples to say they're competing with similar school districts which they are not. Again, they are paying a search firm when it seems clear they (the school board) is making the selection themselves.

$180K year salary, 25 vacation days / year (not including weekends or school holidays), 14 days of sick leave / year, $5,000 to relocate to the school district if new employee chooses and then they are paying $250 / month for transportation (gas) expenses!

Wow, I wonder how many of us who commute get any expenses from our employer? That is nuts to pay so much for this position.

We all can agree we want quality people in these positions and Mr. O'Malley may be just that and I hope that he does a great job. That isn't the issue here though....in this day and age with our economy the school board shouldn't be allowed to spend like this! How about you build in some incentives some goals to hit and if those are met then you reward the employee. That's how the real world works in most places!

The extra $40,000 that they're paying O'Malley (not even counting all of the perks) would pay for ANOTHER TEACHER. Aren't we in the business of educating our youngsters?

There is now an on-line Petition asking 3 of the BOE members to resign. You can find it here: http://www.change.org/petitions/board-of-education-of-community-unit-school-district-308-request-a-change-of-leadership-of-the-oswego-cusd-308-board-of-education

Was the O'Malley hire a unanimous board vote? In other words, can we blame the entire board for this faulty financial decision or just a few of them? Thanks

Wow, should have done this when the previous board was spending, spending, spending! Considering we don't have all the facts I'll wait to burn them at the stake.
Rachael I'm with you on finding out more info.

On April 23, reference the Superintendent Salary, I posted: For the record, in a previous Patch blog, I dittoed Paul Lark’s opposition to use of Search Firms, (my comment followed Pseudonym Saunders comment agreeing with Paul). I stated that Search Firms historically set a high salary to quickly attract applicants to fill the vacancy so that they can move on to the next placement contract for their next commission, which causes a continuing ratcheting up of salaries. I have commended the board on their saving in construction costs; however, I have expressed my disapproval of the excessive salary being offered for a Superintendent. A high salary does not guarantee you will get the best candidate.
I have also voiced my opinion to members of the board that in these economic times there is opportunity to reduce salaries and offers for vacant positions should be less than previous salaries. I consider the salary for the new Assistant Superintendent for Business to more than what should have been required and should have been near what the current business person’s salary. I believe the max salary for Superintendent should have been $200,000 with a target of $180,000. Note that every time a Search Firm is used the salaries increase. The Illinois Association of School Boards, IASB, should have been used for all of the vacancies, which would have been at a lower cost and there would not have been the influence to greatly increase salaries.

For all who have asked, a copy of the contract has been uploaded to the article as a PDF.

To the School Board: I see that O'Malley's contract does not require raises in years 2 & 3. The prudent thing to do is NOT to approve raises for those years. He's already being overpaid.

I agree that it is more than ridiculous. With all the administrators--why have a school board? Everyone is talking about the money. What about the kids? Are you aware that there is a reduction in the number of AP courses being offered next year? Early grads will be up and curriculum is being upended and even moved backwards in some cases. Kids are being hurt by board policies and administrative mis-steps. Anybody know which AP classes have been cut? You should look into this.

Ok, here's a question. The additional $40,000 earned by Superintendent of Finance, is that the previous money used to bus our children to Homestead. The bus schedule does not affect my children, but many of the students at Homestead. First, Homestead children are moved to Murphy, they will adjust, and do just fine. Then the rest of the Homestead students have no buses. I now hope the district does something about all the congestion they will have at Homestead with all the parents driving to school. Good Luck

Is there anyone else absolutely sick to your stomach over the recent decisions made by the District 308 BOE? Sadly, this group of 5 people were voted by the people on the premise they would cut costs. It is clear to me they are doing the exact opposite and there is absolutely no recourse for us. In a year where they are threatening to take my kids bus service away because the state will not provide funding and the district cannot afford the estimated 5 million dollars to cover the busing costs, they turn around and agree to spend approximately $20K for a research firm to find them a new superintendent, give an unproven new superintendent a 17% raise, hire a new financial person giving them a $40K raise, decide to put additions on 2 high schools at the cost of several million dollars, open Murphy JH for $800,00 and hire 42.5 teachers to fill positions. Then just yesterday it was reported in the Oswego Ledger, they are going to increase our school taxes! I guess I should have seen this coming. If it wasn't for the fact that I would take loss on my home, I would have moved by now. I already pay nearly 10K in taxes a year and the school board wants a bigger piece of the pie to cover their costs. This is ridiculous. This BOE is incompetent and should be removed. And they wonder why homeowners are upset with them,

@Lee: you gave a darn enough to try - thanks for trying. @Guest & Julie ,I doubt a petition to pull the entire BOE would do too much. Petition for a tax cap referendum, anybody ? it worked for Cook County....

Everyone is angry about paying administrators in the district...do you realize that there are several PE teachers in the district making over 120,000$ in salary. Yes....I said PE teachers. Not saying they don't deserve it, but put it into perspective. Who has more pressure on them, who has to put more time in, who has more accountability.

cut out sports let the parents pay the whole ticket fof the ones that play

That's right John, devalue a profession you have no knowledge of because they make more than you think they should. Did you realize that by keeping our children active during the day they are helping with improved brain activity? I know for a fact that the PE curriculum emphasizes math and reading in their classes with written tests that encompass vocabulary and complex math like VO2 Max and Heart rate calculations. (oh the things you learn when your child comes home with PE homework haha) so before you bash these teachers take some time to see what they do and how they help add to your child's learning experience. PE isn't just rolling a ball out and telling them to play anymore. That's what I thought too and I was wrong.

If you read my response I said not that they don't deserve it. I don't have a problem paying anyone who works with kids and makes a difference in our school. My point was....the community is outraged by administrative salaries and we have teachers making more than a lot of the administrators. You have to pay good people for their jobs. Teachers have difficult jobs and should be paid like the professionals they are. Administrators have difficult jobs and should also be paid like the professionals they are. My intent was not to bash teachers at all....just to have the community understand that we are not overpaying the Administrators. Teachers Rock!

I heard someone internal applied for this job. Someone who reports to Neubauer and is a school board member of another district. I wonder how much we would have saved if we hired from within? Steven, is this something you can check on?

@Rachael B. : Let's also not forget that teachers have to take certification classes during the summer to keep themselves up to date, are not allowed to go to the bathroom leaving their classrooms unless a *certified* teacher is in the room, and also have to buy a lot of their own supplies, which Administrators as a rule, don't have to do. Oh, and they don't get Social Security, either, even if they make the princely sum of 30G/yr. Wow, what a gig, huh ? easy street. @ John Orcara, most teachers aren't on that magic money ticket, but I do agree, both should also be paid as the professionals *they* are. It sounds like setting "caps" on some positions salaries may be a good talking point for future board candidates, wouldn't you agree ?

Steven Jack,
could you please FOIA and post the employment contract of Mr. Neubauer? I am impressed with Mr. O'Malley's Performance Based Goals as outlined in page 3, line 10, of his contract. I appreciate your FOIA and posting of Mr. O'Malley's contract.

I would like to ask residents to click on the PDF file of Mr. O'Malley's contract above. Page 3, line10 outlines his Performance Based Goals. Line item E says that Mr. O'Malley will reduce the expense of third party firms by 50%. I believe Mr. Neubauer utilized the services of PMA on many occasions. If Mr. O'Malley can save us any amount over $40,000, he has more than justified his salary, and in that event, we should thank the board for saving the district money in addition to bringing in a highly qualified candidate. If his initiative of reducing those expenses by 50% is any indication, I am looking forward to other savings he can help our district with.

I will FOIA how much our district has paid PMA and other third party firms.