Willie W. Bonvillain
November 20, 2013
Patterson still alive after hard-fought victory
November 27, 2013
The Terrebonne Parish School Board will vote Dec. 3, on extending school Superintendent Philip Martin’s contract through 2016, but with no increase in pay.
Board President Roger “Dale” DeHart brought the matter before the executive committee Tuesday night, where members voted unanimously to recommend the extension. Martin’s entire salary package for this year is $144,957, which includes health care benefits and a $6,500 car allowance, according to the district.
“A two-year extension is the maximum we can offer,” DeHart said.
DeHart said the matter has been reviewed by an attorney because any employment contract negotiated or renegotiated after July 1, 2012, must meet provisions of a new law regarding the way superintendents’ contracts are structured. He said the district is in compliance with its proposed offer.
“This is not a new contract,” he said. “It’s an extension of his current contract. The only thing that is changing is the date.”
Martin was hired in 2009. His latest contract with the district ran from Jan. 20, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2012. Last year the board approved an extension and the term was changed to begin on Jan. 1, 2011, and end on Dec. 31, 2014.
Now the board is being asked to approve an extension through 2016.
Martin indicated he would accept the extension without a pay hike should the full board approve it.
Board member Hayes Badeaux said the district “is getting a bargain” with the extension of Martin’s contract. He said under the superintendent’s leadership, the district is one of the highest-ranking in the state – ranked 18th of 74 school districts.
“The teachers did the job, but he’s the leader,” he said. “You have to have someone conduct the band; and, he’s done a great job.”
