School Signs Deal With Rajanen Dr. Nancy Rajanen signed a 3-year superintendent contract with District 110 Schools this past Monday night, making her the first female super in school history.

With little fanfare, but genuine excitement among board members who were in attendance at Monday’s, Aug. 11 school board meeting, Dr. Nancy Rajanen assumed control of the superintendent’s job.

The deal was official after the school board and the new superintendent reached agreement on a three-year contract. Her first day, according to the contract, will actually be Sept. 1. She has been working with district employees over the last couple weeks, however, preparing for her new job.

Rajanen replaces Dr. Jerry Kjergaard who left the district June 30 for the superintendent job at Willmar Schools.

The major components of the package will provide Rajanen with a pro-rated salary of $130,000 in her first year, which will run from Sept. 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. The second year of the contract will pay her a salary of $133,250 (a 2.5 percent increase) and a salary of $136,581 in the third year of the deal (a 2.5 percent increase).

Dr. Kjergaard was earning $130,000 this past school year as superintendent and was set to earn $135,000 this coming year.

The board was minus Chair Brent Davis and John Weinand, but that did not temper fellow board members’ excitement to get the contract approved in short order.

Rajanen sat in the first row of public seats as a spectator for the last time Monday night. Starting in September, when the board meets again, she will sit to the right of the board chair.

In addition to the salary, Rajanen will be paid a $350 monthly car allowance, is eligible for up to $2,500 annually in a match to a tax shelter annuity and is eligible for a 2 percent performance pay enhancement of her annual salary if she “meets expectations” and a 4 percent annual increase if she “exceeds expectations.” The maximum amount she could earn, which would be in the final year of the contract, would be $142,000, assuming she received the 4 percent merit pay increase. The school board will determine whether or not she meets the established criteria for the merit pay boosts.

The contract also allows for up to 25 days of vacation time. Unused vacation days, not to exceed 10 in a contract year, will be paid on a per diem basis. The contract also identifies 11 paid holidays and she can accumulate 1.25 sick days per month, which can be accumulated up to 120 days. The contract notes that Rajanen will be advanced 30 sick days when she starts on Sept. 1.

Although there was no mention made of it Monday night, the 53-year-old Rajanen becomes the first female superintendent in school history. She comes from Robbinsdale School District where she has been serving as assistant superintendent. Her portfolio is stacked with negotiation experience, as well as human resources and special education exposure.

Monday night, Rajanen said she was excited to get started on her new job.