Crawford gets contract, raise

His salary is bumped up to match peer positions in same-size districts.

Superintendent of Schools Ken Crawford has signed a new three-year contract with the Bainbridge Island School District.

The contract through the 2006-2007 school year, gives Crawford a raise that brings his compensation up to $124,618 in a two-step process over the first two years of the contract. His salary in the third year of the contract will be determined at that time.

Crawford’s salary last year was $115,000.

Crawford will also receive an additional $8,200 “salary realignment” over two years to put his pay on par with superintendents in districts with about the same enrollment as Bainbridge.

Comparable districts included Mercer Island, where the superintendent of schools was paid $147,000 last year; Enumclaw district, which paid their superintendent $131,934; Riverview, where the schools’ head received $140,710; and Snoqualmie Valley, with a $157,918 salary.

“Having been contacted by seven school districts where there were openings, it’s nice to not have to consider salary as one of the factors,” Crawford said. “I’ve always been happy. I love it here.”

Crawford’s contract also offers the superintendent up to $3,000 annually for professional development; health benefits and an annual annuity of $4,200; and the option to “sell back” to the district up to 15 days of unused vacation time.

Crawford – who stepped up from an in-district slot as deputy superintendent for support and human services to become interim superintendent in fall 2002, after Steve Rowley vacated the post – was offered a two-year contract by the school board in spring 2003.

Since coming on board, he has presided over the passage of a $24 million school levy passed by 78 percent of voters in November 2002; revamping of the district’s math curriculum; and establishment in spring 2003 of the Bainbridge Public Schools Trust, a group that has raised over $700,000 for the schools.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Ken’s qualities staying at the district,” board member Cheryl Dale said. “He’s a great communicator who can work with both the staff and the community.”

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