Valpo schools get new chief
Administrator named to top position; McCall started with the district in 1999
Valparaiso School Board members lauded Jim McCall and what he brings to the school community in terms of leadership and ability after naming him superintendent at a special meeting Friday afternoon.
McCall has served as assistant superintendent since 2015 and started his career in the Valparaiso schools in 1999 as an English teacher and coach at Valparaiso High School. He also has served various administrative duties at the high school and Flint Lake Elementary School.
He takes the helm as superintendent on Monday.
Board member Karl Cender said he’s worked with McCall over the years and has watched him grow while handling operating and building referendums and the resulting building projects
McCall was always prepared, Cender added.
“I think he’s ready to take us on and lead us forward,” he said.
The board meeting room was filled with masked staff, administrators and local officials who came to hear the announcement, as well as one of the school’s comfort dogs.
McCall, who received a standing ovation, said he was humbled and excited to be named the district’s next superintendent. He added it’s not a responsibility he takes likely.
He thanked the board for their confidence and Interim Superintendent Mike Berta, who has twice served that role, for his leadership and mentoring, as well as his family, past board members, the late Superintendent Ric Frataccia, and the faculty and staff who attended the meeting.
“I love that we get to work together because together, we’re going to come out on the other side better,” McCall said.
The Indiana School Board Association received 16 applicants from 10 states for the job, said Sue Hoffman, president of the board.
The board narrowed the number of applicants to five before vetting the final three, she said.
“He is ready and able to begin his term,” she said.
The search for the next superintendent was beyond exhaustive, said board member Robert Behrend, with board members reaching out to local and out of state school boards, as well as superintendents.
“It kept on coming back to us: ‘What are you doing? You have a great guy right there,’ ” Behrend said.
McCall replaces Berta, who was brought on board when former Superintendent Julie Lauck unexpectedly resigned in early May.
The board also approved a contract that, for the rest of this month through June 30, 2023, calls for a base pay of $170,000, prorated for the first year through June 30. The contract offers 20 vacation days every July 1; four personal days; 11 sick leave days; 80% of the cost of health, dental and vision insurance; the full cost of life insurance, minus $1 paid by the superintendent; and a $500 monthly car allowance, among other benefits.
The contract also notes an annual evaluation of the superintendent’s performance by the school board, with an increase of $5,000 if the superintendent’s performance is “highly effective” and $3,000 if performance is “effective.”
The contract also sets stipulations for cancellation.
Lauck received a settlement of a base salary of $170,725 and tens of thousands of dollars in additional benefits when she left the district.