By Lance Farrell
Leader Staff Writer
Between now and 2014, Oxford Superintendent Dr. William Skilling will see his salary increase by a total of $22,269 as a result of the school board’s decision last week to adjust his employment contract.
Board Secretary William Keenist stated that Skilling ‘voluntarily froze his compensation over the past few years due to the economic uncertainty that existed throughout the state (and country) in public education.?
Skilling has now been relieved from the salary freeze that had restricted his yearly salary to $141,500. He’ll receive a $4,245 bonus during the current school year, taking his salary to $145,745.
The superintendent’s salary will then increase to $154,499 for the 2012-13 school year and $163,769 the following year.
Salary for the final two years of Skilling’s present contract is yet to be determined.
OCS currently has 5,027 students, a number which places them in a league with districts like Pontiac, Bloomfield Hills, and Royal Oak. These districts pay their superintendents $185,000, $171,000, and $150,000 respectively.
Neighboring district Lake Orion has 7,777 students while paying its superintendent $151,000. Clarkston, with a student population of 8,157, compensates its superintendent to the tune of $140,000 each year. Brandon, with 3,200 students, offers $130,000, while Holly, whose student body stands at 3,650, pays $125,783.
Board President Colleen Schultz spoke for the assembled members and led her commendation by noting that Dr. Skilling has ‘stayed true to his word? by locating alternative sources of revenue so that the school would not be so dependent on the State of Michigan. Because of these procurements, Schultz continued, OCS is ‘fiscally in much better shape than our surrounding districts.?
Schultz closed by thanking Skilling for his drive to achieve which ‘makes everybody else push themselves a little bit harder.?
Skilling was gracious in acceptance, passing the credit for OCS success to ‘the teachers, the building principals and the support staff–it’s a team effort.?

4/19/12 UPDATE:

Secretary Keenist contacted the Leader after this issue went to press to clarify that Superintendent Skilling’s raise “is not retroactive; [Skilling] will only receive $707.50” in the 2011-2012 school year. Keenist wanted it to be clear that though Skilling’s contract lists an increase from the stated $141,500 to $163,769 (an increase of $22,269), the Superintendent will only receive $18,462.50.