PC School Board approves principals’ salary increase

Perkins County Schools Board approved 2.3 percent increases for the 2018-19 school year for elementary and high school principal salaries during February’s meeting, with one board member voting no. 

Elementary Principal Nicole Long’s salary will increase $1,848 to $82,193 and Junior/Senior High School Principal Dean Friedel’s salary will increase $2,324 to $103,372 for the 2018-19 school year. 

Superintendent Phillip Picquet recommended the percentage increases, which are the same as last year’s.

Board member Amy Kroeker voted no on the salary increases, stating she wasn’t comfortable talking about her reasonings in open session. 

“I have concerns. They’re not just my own concerns. I have people talking to me. This is public information. All citizens in our county are very well aware of what the administration is being paid and ultimately, we have constituents that are not happy, and rightly so,” said Kroeker.

Board member Ryan Hendricks said performance standards need to be met and if that’s not happening an increase should not be given. 

The board also began discussion on Picquet’s salary, but no action was taken. 

The school board will meet again this Monday, March 19.