Rockwood Board extends superintendent’s contract for one year

In a closed meeting on Feb. 24, the Rockwood Board of Education voted 4-3 to extend Superintendent Bruce Borchers’ contract for one more year through June 30, 2016. Board President Janet Strate, Vice President Matt Doell, and directors, Steve Banton and Keith Kinder, voted in favor of the extension. Bill Brown, Sherri Rogers and Steve Smith voted against the extension.

In a press release, Strate praised Borchers for his focus on student achievement.

Brown, who joined the Board in 2012, said, “I don’t believe we can ignore the information and feedback we have received from some of our staff and community members. They have made it clear it’s time for a fresh start and a change in direction.”

Borchers’ salary will remain at $234,600. According to Strate, he approached the Board earlier this year with a request for no salary increase should his contract be extended. The Board came under fire a year ago for giving the superintendent a 2 percent salary hike while facing significant budget cuts.

Borchers has been with the district since 2010.