Pay Raise For Elmhurst D205 Superintendent

ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst school board voted Tuesday to give Superintendent Keisha Campbell a raise and extend her contract two years.

For the next school year, her pay is set to be increased to $250,000, based on a 3.9 percent hike and a market adjustment of $10,000. Her salary was $225,000 when she started in summer 2021.

Campbell's higher salary would be in line with comparable districts, according to the board.

The Elmhurst School District 205 board also plans to give Campbell an opportunity for a performance bonus based on growth metrics as determined by the board.

Campbell's original three-year contract was to last until summer 2024. With the extension, it would expire in summer 2026.

The changes to her contract were approved about two weeks before the April 4 election. Four of the seven sets are up.

"We are sensitive to the reality that there is an upcoming board election and have intentionally opted to extend for two years, allowing new board members to have time to understand the work and the challenges of the Board of Education," board President Kara Caforio said in a statement before the vote. "Ongoing feedback from our D205 community has emphasized a need and desire for stability in leadership."

Caforio said the board was "incredibly proud" of Campbell's progress in her first two years. Campbell, a York High School graduate, has established relationships throughout the community, Caforio said.

"Our decisions as a district are now firmly based on data, research, reviews, detailed projections and updated policies," Caforio said.

Caforio also pointed to an 11 percent increase in Illinois Assessment of Readiness scores in elementary and middle schools.

"A few short years ago, only two schools in the district were considered exemplary by the state of Illinois," Caforio said. "Last year, six of our schools were identified as exemplary and six commendable."

Caforio did not mention the continuing drop in SAT scores at York High School, a trend that predates Campbell and is seen around the state.

During a discussion, board member Chris Kocinski thanked Campbell for her hard work.

"We're off to a good start," he said.

Member Beth Hosler said Campbell worked with others to put together a "thoughtful plan," with feedback from the community. She called Campbell a "great leader."

Campbell, in turn, thanked her "phenomenal team" and the board for holding her to high expectations.

The vote for the contract changes was unanimous. Member Karen Stuefen was absent.