You’ve been reading about him. Now’s your chance to meet him.
Tonight, the Oswego School District will host a reception for new superintendent Matthew Wendt, and you’re invited. The meet-and-greet runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at , directly before the school board meeting.
Last month, the board voted to approve a three-year contract with Wendt to replace outgoing superintendent Dan O’Donnell. O’Donnell’s last day will be June 30, and Wendt’s first will be July 1.
Wendt’s contract guarantees him a base salary of $225,000 a year, plus benefits, and the board has the option to increase that figure for the contract’s last two years. That’s less than the $235,000 initially suggested by the district’s search firm, Ray and Associates, but an increase over O’Donnell’s salary – he was paid $200,000 for the 2011-2012 school year.
Wendt is currently the superintendent of the Ankeny School District in Iowa, which has faced many of the same issues as District 308. As reported by , Wendt was offered a new three-year deal to stay in Ankeny, but declined. He accepted a negotiated $176,000 payout as a transitional allowance.
But some members of the Ankeny School Board reportedly , once news broke of Wendt’s new job with District 308. Wendt provided a written statement to Iowa TV station KCCI, and you can read that statement .
Following the reception, the District 308 board will hold its regular meeting, at which members will discuss a potential new location for graduation ceremonies for the 2012-2013 school year. The meeting begins at 7 p.m., and is open to the public.
Mr Wendt will have one heck of a transition period with all the problems and disagreements in this district. So...what happens if he doesn't work out? Do we have to pay him anyway? Are we going to have to pay him if he decides to quit and go elsewhere? IS HE REALLY WORTH A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR PLUS? So far, some of the press from his previous district is not very flattering towards him as an administrator and there leaves some questions regarding his integrity. I sincerely hope that Mr. Wendt truly does work out well here in this district. However, as the average length of service for a Supt in Illinois is a mere 3 years, I would not be surprised to see the musical chairs game played again in 2015.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120607/NEWS/120607016/Ankeny-superintendent-says-he-will-take-severance-money?nclick_check=1 http://ankeny.patch.com/articles/departing-superintendent-does-not-intend-to-give-back-severance-money
Seriously, did anyone really believe he was going say, "Aw, shucks. You're right. You keep that money and swing by and see me if you're ever in Oswego, IL!" Please As for giving him a chance - is there really another option? lol
huh ? on Ray and Associates *own web site* there were other superintendent positions up for less with more kids in it. This is them: http://rayassoc.com/job-details.php?ID=136 this is us: http://rayassoc.com/job-details.php?ID=144. Here's one close to our size: http://rayassoc.com/job-details.php?ID=137 how come *we* have to pay almost twice the going rate ? are you saying these other superintendents are *not* quality ?.
The guy apparently knows how to make a buck - let's hope he also knows how to recommend that they are spent wisely.
Is this the best that our District can do for a new Admin? They couldn't find someone without a controversial past?
Oh....Mr. New Superintendent....my sone needs to go to college too...can you hire me so I can negotiate a package and quit then take a job down the road like you?
The Des Moines Register article you refered can be read using the following link. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120617/OPINION01/306170027/John-Carlson-The-audacious-Wendt-played-us-for-suckers?nclick_check=1 http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120617/OPINION01/306170027/John-Carlson-The-audacious-Wendt-played-us-for-suckers?nclick_check=1