Collierville superintendent rewarded with extension
The Collierville Schools Board of Education voted June 28 to extend Superintendent John Aitken’s contract until 2020 and showered him with a glowing review.
“It is a well-deserved contract,” board member Wanda Chism said. “I think our superintendent has earned it over the last four years ... He demonstrates every day how much he cares for this district. His leadership has been invaluable. He puts in long days every
day.”
Aitken took office as Collierville’s first municipal school district superintendent in 2014 following 30 years with the Shelby County school system. The new contract extends to June 30, 2020, with a base salary of $188,700 and an annual performance bonus of $20,000. He scored 4.9 out of a possible 5 in his performance evaluation released June 28.
“These extremely high marks reflected in this report are evidence of the strong and effective relationship between the Board of Education, the superintendent, the administration and the staff of the schools and the community,” attorney Mike Marshall said.
Board member Mark Hansen said Aitken is among a handful of superintendents who are known statewide for innovation and leadership.
“He’s not only a leader in our community, he’s a leader statewide,” Hansen said in the discussion of the contract.
“You deserve probably more than this,” he told Aitken.