School chief gets new contract

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Naugatuck Superintendent of Schools Sharon Locke. –FILE PHOTO
Naugatuck Superintendent of Schools Sharon Locke. –FILE PHOTO

NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck Board of Education last week approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent of Schools Sharon Locke.

The contract runs from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020.

Board of Education Chairman Dorothy Neth-Kunin said the board is pleased with the work that Locke has been doing. She pointed to increasing test scores at all the schools as an example of what Locke has been able to accomplish during her brief time at the helm.

“When we found her and she came to this district she just threw herself right into it. It is hard to find somebody who is all in when they come in the door. She has been all in since day one. And that’s really what we look for,” Neth-Kunin said.

Locke took over as superintendent in July 2014. Prior to being hired in Naugatuck, Locke was the assistant superintendent for the New Britain school system. She started her education career as a guidance counselor, and worked in that role for several years before going into administration.

Under the new contract, Locke will be paid $174,029 in the 2017-18 fiscal year. Her current salary is roughly $169,000. She will receive raises of 2.25 percent and 2.5 percent in the subsequent years of the contract, bringing her salary to $177,945 in 2018-19 and $182,394 in the final year of the deal.

Locke will contribute 21 percent of the cost of her health care, per the contract. She will also receive a 6 percent tax-sheltered annuity, 15 sick days, 22 vacation days and a $2,400 travel stipend.

Locke said she’s thrilled to continue working as superintendent and with the school board.

“We have begun great work together and have made good progress and there is also much more to do. Our school district is becoming a community of learners and student learning is on the rise. This Board of Education is very student-centered and keeps what is best for students at the center of its work,” Locke said.

Locke said she plans to continue the work she has been doing during her two and a half years as school chief.

“I will continue to work strategically and dedicate myself every day to ensure that their commitment to me as a consistent and collaborative leader will continue to yield results for our students,” Locke said.