By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac Board of Education's evaluation of Superintendent Peg Stowers was favorable, school Board President Randy Cuthbert said Thursday, but she ruled out any raise for herself given the district's financial challenges.
Cuthbert said the board extended her three-year contract as a result of the closed session following Monday night's meeting.
"She asked that her salary be frozen," he said. "She said she wanted to 'lead from the top.' We said, 'Great,' we appreciate it.' It's something the community should know about."
Since succeeding Larry Crandall as superintendent, Stowers, who makes $102,000, has been confronted with settling the teacher contract and the budget, for which the district is evaluating such options as privatizing custodial and maintenance services.
"Her first year hasn't been an easy one for her," he said.
Cuthbert said the board graded Stowers 4.2 overall on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0.
He said a tabulation of board members' ratings showed her with: 4.0, board relationship; 4.1, public relations; 4.0, relationship with fellow employees; 4.2, personal characteristics; and finance, 4.5.