Del Mar Union School District approves new contract for superintendent

By Karen Billing

The Del Mar Union School District Board July 23 approved the new contract for Superintendent Holly McClurg through June 30, 2018.

Per the contract, McClurg’s annual salary will be $185,000 with an annual doctoral stipend of $10,000. She will receive a car allowance of $400 a month, 25 vacation days, health benefits and a retirement contribution of $700 a month.

“Hiring and evaluating the superintendent is the biggest responsibility we have as a board,” said trustee Kristin Gibson, speaking via a Skype connection from London. “It’s a very thorough and cohesive process.”

Trustee Alan Kholos said he takes this board responsibility very seriously and said a lot of research was done to ensure they have a good, competitive contract. He said the new contract represents McClurg’s education, experience and leadership that has produced great results.

“It’s not just an employment agreement, it’s an agreement that really recognizes the outstanding results that we’ve had and hope will continue throughout the years,” Kholos said.

The new contract also includes a goal-oriented bonus compensation, which Kholos said is standard for many community businesses.

Per the contract, the superintendent will be eligible to receive two bonuses if significant progress is made on set goals and objectives. The determination of eligibility for the first bonus of $5,000 shall be made no later than Nov. 30 of each year of her contract. The second $5,000 bonus will be determined by June 30 of each year.

McClurg last received a raise in 2013, a bump in salary from $158,000 a year to $170,000.