Thursday, September 28, 2000 Older Editions

Four more years

By Adam Groff

The school leaders who helped push to create two new schools and curriculum changes should see the fruits of their efforts.

The School Committee Tuesday night unanimously approved new four-year contracts for Superintendent Claudia Bach and Assistant Superintendent Marinel McGrath.

In doing so, the committee voided the final year of both administrators' current contracts, which were due to expire after this year, and guaranteed them three-percent annual raises until the deal expires after the 2003-2004 school year.

School Committee Chairman Tina Girdwood justified the decision by asserting a "desire to create as much stability and continuity as possible" in the leadership of the Andover schools.

She said the decision was also made to "show confidence in the leadership team."

There was goodwill all around, as Bach stated that she was "moved and touched" by the gesture, and asserted her "long-term commitment as a team to the community," in conjunction with McGrath.

McGrath said her six years in Andover have been "the highlight of my career."

While Bach made $109,200 last year, she will take home $112,476 during this fiscal year, which began July 1.

McGrath will make $102,760 this fiscal year.

The guaranteed raises will eliminate the School Committee's annual practice of awarding raises after it evaluates the superintendent's work during the summer.

After evaluating Bach this summer, the committee said she met or exceeded its expectations in each of eight areas discussed.

The superintendent evaluates the assistant superintendent each year.