WEST CHESTER TWP. — The Lakota Board of Education wanted to show Superintendent Kathleen Klink what members think of the job she's doing.

        So the board voted unanimously this week to give Mrs. Klink a five-year contract — the longest it could legally offer. It is retroactive to Aug. 1 and runs through July 31, 2006.

Klink

        “We wanted to send a message to Kathy of support for the work she's done,” said board member Jeff Jones. The long contract is “one way of doing that.”

        Under the terms of the contract, Mrs. Klink's annual salary will increase from $110,500 to $115,000. For each year Mrs. Klink meets the annual goals the board sets for her, she will also receive a $4,000 retirement tax shelter annuity, said Treasurer Alan Hutchinson.

        “I'm particularly proud to be part of the Lakota Schools,” Mrs. Klink said. “I think we're on the right track.”

        Since Mrs. Klink became superintendent in 1994, the district has opened seven schools.

        The Lakota Schools are one of only a handful of districts — including Cincinnati Public Schools — that ties compensation to performance. Although Mrs. Klink is the only employee it applies to, the board is looking at expanding it to include the treasurer and other administrators.

        Board member Sandy Wheatley said Mrs. Klink met her original seven goals and anticipates meeting the next five.

        “She's a visionary leader,” Mrs. Wheatley said. “She has a gift to instill her vision in her staff so it becomes their vision. She works tirelessly.”

        Mrs. Klink was named superintendent when the district had an enrollment of 11,637. This year's opening day enrollment is 15,556.

        She started in the district as a teacher in 1971. From 1977-1983, Mrs. Klink was director of guidance, assistant principal and then associate principal at Lakota High School. She was named assistant superintendent in 1983.

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