School Board Votes To Extend Spears' Contract

Lincoln School Board members unanimously voted to extend the contract for school Superintendent Mary Ann Spears at their January monthly meeting.

The Board met in executive session Jan. 18 to discuss Spears' contract before reconvening in public for a motion and vote. Spears' three-year contract was extended another year, making it effective through 2018-19.

Dax Moreton, secretary, said board members are pleased with Spears' performance as superintendent of schools.

"The biggest thing is that she's been a very good financial steward for Lincoln schools and has gotten us back in financial stability," Moreton said last week.

Spears also has paid close attention to the teacher-student ratio and maintained a proper ratio to benefit students, Moreton said. In addition, he said communication with the board, staff, parents and students has improved the past few years.

"Overall, we're very pleased and we're excited to have her. We're fortunate to have her," Moreton said.

Connie Meyer, board vice president, noted the school district had some financial problems when Spears was hired as superintendent.

"She's taken care of that very well," Meyer said. "She's done a great job, especially for being a young superintendent."

Spears has been in education 24 years and worked at Lincoln School District for 10 years. This is her third year as Lincoln superintendent. Previously, she was principal at Lincoln High School.

"Lincoln is a great community," Spears said, noting the community takes pride in its schools and students. "I'm very proud of where we are academically. Financially, the district is in good shape. We have a tremendous staff and it's a great place to work."

In other action, Lincoln School Board passed a resolution approving the Facilities Master Plan for 2017-19. The plan does not propose any major construction projects. Smaller projects include upgrading bathrooms at Lincoln Middle School and improving drainage at the high school.

One project being explored, Spears said, is to improve the high school fieldhouse, making it more of a multi-purpose facility. Spears said school officials will meet with an architect and builder to discuss this project.

Spears reported the district is in good shape financially for the year. Through December, the school has spent less than 50 percent of its budget.

"We're feeling good about the budget," Spears said.

The board also accepted the resignation of a bus driver and approved the food service report for December 2015.

General News on 02/03/2016