CAPE GIRARDEAU SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT EXTENDED

Cape Girardeau public schools Superintendent Neyland Clark's employment contract has been extended for an additional year.

The Board of Education recently approved the extension following an evaluation and review of Clark's first year with the district.

"He came through the evaluation with flying colors," said board President Ed Thompson.

Clark was hired in July 1991 under a three-year contract. Thompson said no changes were made to the contract for the additional year. "We just went ahead and extended it one year," he said.

"I think it was a vote of confidence in Dr. Clark," Thompson said. "We feel he is doing a good job. We've gone through some really tough times with the budget cuts, and it wasn't as painful as we thought it would be. It was tough, but he and the staff and those making the recommendations did their homework and did a good job."

Clark got the same percentage raise as other district employees. His salary is $72,540. Other provisions of his contract remain the same: he receives a $250-a-month mileage reimbursement and drives his own car; he also has a benefit package, including insurance, similar to other district administrators.

Clark said: "I think it is important that the district have some continuity in regard to its direction. The extension of the contract provides security for the superintendent and the district."

He said that following the school board's retreat and the decisions toward a five-year plan continuity is even more important. The board has indicated a desire to build new schools and is looking toward a spring 1993 vote.

"We want to keep our eye aimed at what we want in 1997, and the year 2000," said Clark.

He said architectural firms are in the process of being reviewed. "We've been moving fairly rapidly to bring about some of the things the board wants realized."

Thompson said a new evaluation tool was used by the board this year to review the superintendent's performance.

"I think it was more objective and more precise," Thompson said. "And, as a rule, the board was very satisfied with his term thus far."