Region 16 board approves contract for superintendent

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The Region 16 Board of Education approved a contract for 2013-14 last week for Superintendent of Schools Tim James. –FILE PHOTO
The Region 16 Board of Education approved a contract for 2013-14 last week for Superintendent of Schools Tim James. –FILE PHOTO

REGION 16 — The Region 16 Board of Education has approved another year at the helm of the district for Superintendent of Schools Tim James.  

“We are very grateful for Superintendent James. For the work he’s doing for us, for his dedication and for the fact that he’s not taking any more money,” said board Chair Pricilla Cretella at a special meeting last week.

James, a 64-year-old Torrington resident, was hired on an interim basis to replace former Region 16 Superintendent of Schools James Agostine in December 2011. James was named permanent superintendent of the district, which oversees schools in Beacon Falls and Prospect, last August. At the time, the board approved a two-year deal for James that runs through June 27, 2014. Last week, the board approved his contract for the 2013-14 school year.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” James said.

Earlier this year James took a medical leave of absence for an undisclosed medical condition. On Tuesday James said he is currently in between treatments, and in September he will undergo a series of treatments that will not interfere with his ability to be on the job.

The terms of James’ contract remained the same as last year.

Under the contract, James will be compensated a little more than $166,000 for the year. He will be paid a salary of $68,850 with the board providing $97,388 in other defined benefit contributions to comply with requirements of the Teacher Retirement Board.

Prior to taking the interim job, James was superintendent of schools for the Orange Elementary School District. He retired from Orange before taking the interim position.

Since he is drawing a pension, state law requires that he can only receive 45 percent of his compensation in the form of a salary without impacting his pension.

The board is not providing James with health benefits, since he is retired.

The contract also provides James with $150,000 in term life insurance coverage and 10 vacation days a year.

The Republican American contributed to this article.