New Kensington-Arnold superintendent gets 5-year contract extension
John Pallone will remain superintendent of New Kensington-Arnold School District for at least five more years.
“This removes all doubt,” Pallone said Thursday after the school board approved a new contract.
Pallone's future with the district was left somewhat in limbo when the board could not gather a majority vote in spring 2015 to offer him a new contract or to give him notice they planned to seek a replacement.
The school board then was split 4-4 on what direction to take; board President Bob Pallone could not cast the tie-breaker because he is John Pallone's brother.
The Pennsylvania School Code stipulates that when the school board failed to tell John Pallone their plans within 150 days of the Sept. 30, 2015, expiration of his contract, he was presumed to be rehired for a period similar to the terms of his prior contract, which was three years.
However, Pallone's original contract set the reappointment length at one year — leaving unclear whether his contract extension expired this fall or in two years.
Thursday's vote offered clarity: Pallone will remain through the 2020-21 school year, with a new contract term of July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2021.
“I'm very honored to have the privilege to continue in my role,” said Pallone, 55, a 1978 Valley High School graduate. “I appreciate the support from the board. We've made great strides.”
Board members approving his contract were Ron Balla, Kathy Clarke, Rob Fusia, Eric Doutt, Kristin O'Sullivan and Pat Petit. Liney Glenn and Ellyse Williams were opposed, and Bob Pallone abstained.
Pallone was offered 2.5 percent raises, which would boost his pay to nearly $117,000 this school year. He would max out at almost $129,000 during the 2020-21 school year.
Petit said finances are one reason he supported rehiring Pallone. Petit estimated the district has saved at least $80,000 during Pallone's nearly four years at New Kensington-Arnold because the district does not pay for his health insurance; he receives coverage as a former state legislator.
Petit said Pallone's salary at the end of his five-year contract will be about what former superintendent George Batterson earned when Batterson left in 2012.
“I think he's been doing a hell of a job,” Petit said of Pallone. Referencing problems at other Alle-Kiski Valley school districts, Petit added: “He's kept us out of trouble. He's kept us safe.”
Glenn, the only person remaining on the board who both objected when Pallone was hired in 2012 and voted to remove him a year ago, said Pallone's lack of an educational background remains an issue for her.
“I've never changed my stance: We need an educator at the top,” she said.
She and Williams said they did not receive Pallone's new contract until the executive session immediately before Thursday's meeting and didn't have an opportunity to review the terms.
“I just got the contract 20 minutes ago,” Williams said. “I would have liked time to further review it.”
Liz Hayes is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at lhayes@tribweb.com or 724-226-4680.
