Fayetteville school board extends Wendt’s contract

FAYETTEVILLE — School board members unanimously voted to extend Superintendent Matthew Wendt’s contract after an executive session late Thursday night.

The board extended the contract through June 30, 2021, after completing Wendt’s annual review.

Members also voted to increase his annual salary of $218,000 to $231,080. That decision was based on districtwide raises to teachers and administrators last year that he wasn’t part of, said Justin Eichmann, board president.

The review consisted of about two hours of going through his contributions of the past year, Eichmann said. Board members have been extremely pleased with Wendt’s accomplishments in his second year with the district, he said.

“In his short time with the district, Dr. Wendt has made a remarkable impact on the district’s culture,” he said. “He has surrounded himself with a dedicated and knowledgeable team, and he is building invaluable relationships with the university, the city and our community.”

Wendt joined Fayetteville Public Schools on July 1, 2016, as the 11th superintendent since the district was founded in 1871.

He has served as an associate superintendent or superintendent for districts in Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. Wendt is in his 28th year in public education, according to a news release.

“As I have said many times, I absolutely love this position, the school district and our community,” Wendt said. “My work as superintendent is something I look forward to every day, but I am only one person within an exceptional system.”

Wendt