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Mt. Lebanon amends superintendent’s contract to include raise

By Luke Campbell 3 min read
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Over the past seven years, many things have changed around Mt. Lebanon High School. The uniformity of approval from the school board for the outstanding job Superintendent Timothy Steinhauer has done during his tenure hasn’t wavered.

That was made apparent Monday night, as the board approved both provisions related to Steinhauer’s compensation, a merit bonus for the amount of $20,000, payable this month, along with an amendment to his current contract, which runs through June 30, 2019.

With the approval, Steinhauer will receive a 5.5 percent annual increase during the next two years and a 6 percent increase in 2018-19 based on his salary for the upcoming year of $194,779, effective July 1. The measure also will increase the annual tax-deferred supplement provided under his contract and allow for additional compensation if the board determines that to be appropriate based on his performance.

Despite some residents in attendance at Monday’s school board meeting expressing their opinion that now is not the time for a raise, Lawrence Lebowitz, board president, justified the decision by stating how it represents an investment in security of the district.

Board member Daniel Remely echoed those thoughts by drawing attention to the maintained value and high demand to be within the district limits.

“I’m fortunate to work for a good board who understands the importance of leadership in the district,” Steinhauer said. “I certainly take it as a vote of confidence in the direction that we are going, but it’s the board that sets the direction that we implement. It’s a great feeling.”

The salary increase will make Steinhauer one of the highest-paid superintendents in western Pennsylvania, a position in which there is a national shortage, according to the board, thus increasing the valued importance of maintaining the leadership role.

“Both of my sons have graduated from here,” said Steinhauer. “I feel very proud of the education that this district has offered my kids. I know that everything I do has a significant impact on our community’s kids, and I’m happy to serve this school board in every aspect.”

The approval comes during the neared completion of the $109 million high school renovation project led by Steinhauer that is now expected to be finalized by the end of 2016.

“To build a high school is probably one of the most important achievements of a superintendent,” he said. “I feel very proud that our team worked very hard to put together a great learning environment for all of our kids.”

Also on Monday, board members unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement for the custodial and maintenance employees, which will be in effect until June 30, 2021, and annual salaries for 12-month secretaries, custodial and maintenance employees, administrative assistants and supervisors, specialists, head custodians and administrators, along with salary increases for assistant superintendents Ronald Davis and Marybeth Irvin.

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