School Commitee Narrowly Approve New Contract and Raise for Superintendent

Despite objects from committee members and some residents, Weymouth Superintendent Kenneth Salim will receive a contract extension and a raise.

In a 4-3 vote Thursday night, the Weymouth School Committee approved a new four-year contract for Salim. The contract comes with a 2 percent cost of life increase retroactive for fiscal year 2015; $3,500 in compensation for his advanced degree; and 30 vacation days, an increase from 25.

The pay raise bumps Salim’s yearly wages from $161,200 to $167,924.

Chairman Sean Guilfoyle, Lisa Belmarsh, Tracey Nardone, and Diana Flemer voted for the new contract while Kathy Curran, Gail Sheehan, and Mayor Susan Kay all voted against it.

Those who voted the increase pushed to table the motion, requesting more time to discuss the matter. Curran’s request to table the contract talks failed prior to the final vote.

“I just feel we should take the time. I think he’s doing a good job, I agree with stability. It’s not personal it’s just prudent,” Curran said.

With a proposition 2 1/2 override on the horizon and a $1.1 million shortfall, Curran said she feared that this could damage efforts to pass the $6.5 million override that would give $3 million to schools.

“I fear for this town if this override fails and I fear this will push over the edge,” she said.

Curran and other members argued that they were not given enough time to review the contract, with committee members receiving the final document earlier that day.

According to Guilfoyle, the committee discussed the contract for 70 minutes over two meetings in executive session, as allowed by the state’s open meeting law.

Belmarsh called the request to table a delay tactic she did not want to be apart of.

“I realize it is difficult when we are potentially talking about cuts and we don’t have sufficient funding. However, on the merits, the additional terms of the contract are a valid request,” Belmarsh said. “This is something we should have dealt with in the fall. To delay this matter is unfair and there is not going to be any good time to talk about increases.

Nardine added, “I agree there is never a good time to discuss a salary. I am not thrilled to give a salary increase but this man does his job. It’s not a 9-5 job, I call him at 10 p.m. and he’s getting back to me immediately. I call him a 6 a.m. and he’s there.”

Salim came to Weymouth in 2012, succeeding the late Mary Jo Livingstone.