Improving Finances for District 55

    District 55 Superintendent Dr. Billy Strickland is being given a 3% merit raise, following his annual review this week. At the end of Monday night’s District 55 School Board meeting, the school trustees went into executive session for the annual review. Board Chairman Charlie Short told WLBG it was a very positive review, saying he believes Billy Strickland is doing a good job, saying we’ve had tough problems that Strickland has handled well. After Billy Strickland became District 55 Superintendent of Schools, the economy faltered, resulting in less revenue to operate schools. While the downturn did result in some unpaid time off for employees one year, the district was able to avoid the large layoffs some districts had to resort to. With things looking better this year, Strickland recommended and the board recently approved step increases in pay for all staff of the district. Chairman Charlie Short noted that the 3% merit pay increase approved for the Superintendent this week was the first since he took over operation of the district schools.

   The District 55 School Board this week also extended Dr. Strickland’s employment contract, now employing him through June of 2014.