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Midland Superintendent Contract Final 5.19.24
Midland Superintendent Contract Final 5.19.24
Midland Superintendent Contract Final 5.19.24
CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
Superintendent of Schools
This Employment Contract (“Contract”) is hereby entered into by and between the Board
of Education (“Board”) of Midland Public Schools (“District”) and Penny Miller-Nelson
(“Superintendent”) under the laws of the State of Michigan, according to the following:
1.3 Extension of Term. During the term of this Agreement, the Board may
determine to propose an extension of the Agreement for a period of one or more additional
years (at no time, however, shall the remaining term of the Agreement exceed five (5)
years). Upon an effective rating, the Board shall consider extending the contract by one
year. The Board shall notify the Superintendent in writing of any proposed extension. If
an extension is proposed, the Superintendent shall have the opportunity to accept the
extension by providing written notice of acceptance of the Board within thirty (30) days of
receipt by the Superintendent of the notice of proposed extension by the Board.
Compensation for any period of extension of this Contract shall be determined by the Board
in accordance with all provisions of this Contract.
2. Qualifications
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at least 30 days prior to the first day of employment. The Superintendent shall supply copies
of future certificates, credentials, and continuing education credits to the Board within 30
days of completion.
3.1 Duties. The Superintendent agrees to devote her talents, skills, efforts and
abilities toward competently, professionally and proficiently fulfilling all duties and
responsibilities of the position. The Superintendent agrees to faithfully perform duties
assigned by the Board as may be established or amended by the Board and to comply with
the directives of Board. The Superintendent will administer the District’s instructional,
personnel, and business affairs, subject to Board direction. The Superintendent accepts the
ultimate authority and direction of the Board and with respect to her responsibilities.
Further, the Superintendent agrees to comply with and fulfill all responsibilities and tasks
required by state and federal law and regulations, Board policies and directives, and to
carry out the District’s educational programs during the entire term of this Contract.
Further, the Superintendent agrees to devote substantially all of her business time,
attention, and services to the diligent, faithful, and competent discharge of her duties on
behalf of District to enhance the operation of District and agrees to use her best efforts to
maintain and improve the quality of the programs and services of District. The
Superintendent will not perform professional services outside her administrative duties or
perform work for any other employer or entity without the preapproval of the Board.
4. Nature of Employment
4.1 Continuing Tenure. Superintendent agrees that she shall not be deemed to
be granted continuing tenure in the position of initially assigned or to which she may be
assigned or transferred or in any capacity other than that of a classroom teacher, should the
probationary period required for tenure as a teacher be fulfilled, by virtue of this Contract
or any employment assignment (requiring certification) with the District. Nor shall the
decision of Board not to continue or renew the employment of Superintendent for any
subsequent period in any capacity, other than as a classroom teacher, as may be required
by the Teachers’ Tenure Act, be deemed a breach of this Contract or a discharge or
demotion within the provisions of the Michigan Teachers’ Tenure Act.
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4.2 Transfer/Reassignment. Superintendent is subject to assignment and
transfer to another administrative position of employment at the discretion of the Board.
Superintendent will be responsible for meeting any certification and qualifications required
by the State Board of Education or applicable law for such assignment or transfer. The
Board may adjust the Superintendent’s compensation if the Board acts to reassign or
transfer the Superintendent to another administrative position. Thereafter, the Board may
continue adjusting annual compensation rates consistent with the Board’s approved salary
schedule for administrators.
5. Compensation
5.2 Merit Pay. As part of her compensation for services related to her position,
the Superintendent may become eligible to receive merit pay compensation based on job
performance and job accomplishments. The Board, in collaboration with the
Superintendent, will annually establish specific performance objectives for the
Superintendent to be accomplished within the Contract year. As a component of the annual
performance evaluation process, the Board will determine whether the Superintendent has
attained those performance objectives. If the Board determines that some or all of the
performance objectives have been attained, it will allocate up to Fifteen Thousand Dollars
and 00/100 ($15,000.00) to the Superintendent’s salary for that Contract year, with that
amount to be paid to the Superintendent on or before December 31 of the following
Contract year. Any amount allocated under this provision shall be based exclusively on the
Board's judgment of the Superintendent’s success in attaining the specified performance
objectives and will be determined in the Board’s sole discretion. If awarded, merit pay is
limited to the Contract year in which it is awarded and does not become part of the
Superintendent’s regular annual salary or annual salary rate for any succeeding Contract
year. As an illustrative example, the Superintendent's performance evaluation and merit
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pay for the 2024-2025 Contract year will be determined in the annual performance
evaluation process to be conducted no later than December 31, 2025.
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5.7 ORS Reimbursement. If, at any time, ORS reimburses contributions made
from wages/compensation in this Contract or from previous contracts between Board and
Superintendent, reimbursement of Superintendent’s contribution will be credited to
Superintendent’s 401(a), 403(b) or 457 plan with no cash option given.
5.8 MPSERS Eligibility. The parties declare their intent that all compensation
to Superintendent for salary, annuity, longevity, and merit pay is MPSERS eligible.
6. Fringe Benefits
6.2 Insurance Programs. The Board, in its discretion, will determine the
insurance premium amounts for insurance coverages elected by the Superintendent and
notify the Superintendent of those amounts at least annually. The amounts shall not be less
than those amounts determined by the Board as being necessary to comply with the
Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act, 2011 PA 152. If PA 152 is repealed
during the term of this Contract, the District’s contribution shall remain capped at the
previous PA 152 levels, with annual increases requiring the percentage increase in the
premium costs up to three (3) percent per year. Board will notify Superintendent of the
insurance costs including taxes, assessments, and copayments or which he is responsible
in excess of Board paid premium contributions, subject to payroll deduction. At the
Superintendent’s option, she may choose full family, two-person, single coverage, or no
coverage at the same cost as the district administrator group. The Board will pay the
premiums for a term life insurance policy on the Superintendent’s life with a death benefit
of three (3) times annual base salary. The Board will pay the premiums for AD & D an
insurance policy that is three (3) times annual base salary. The Superintendent is
responsible for completion of all forms and requirements needed to receive the above-
described coverage.
6.3 Insurance Carrier. The Board reserves the right to change the identity of the
insurance carrier, policyholder, or third-party administrator for any of the above coverages,
as determined and maintained by Board during this Contract. The Board reserves the right
to self-fund any of the above benefits. Additionally, the Board shall not be required to remit
premiums for any insurance coverages for Superintendent and her eligible dependents if
enrollment or coverage is denied by the insurance underwriter, policyholder, or third-party
administrator. The terms of any contract or policy issued by any insurance company of
third-party administrator shall be controlling as to all matters concerning benefits,
eligibility, coverage, termination of coverage, and other related matters. Superintendent is
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responsible for assuring completion of all forms and documents needed to receive the
insurance coverage. District, by payment of the premium payments required to provide
insurance coverage, shall be relieved from all liability with respect to insurance benefits.
6.4 Vacation, Holidays, and Other Paid Leave. The Superintendent shall receive
thirty (30) days of vacation for Contract year, which may be taken after July 1, 2024.
Vacation shall be subject to the rules and procedures applicable to vacation time of
administrative employees of the Midland Public Schools generally, except that the
maximum number of vacation days which may be carried over from one year to the next
shall be thirty-five (35). The Superintendent shall be entitled to payment at her current per
diem rate for any unused vacation days remaining in her accrued vacation account at the
time of termination. Superintendent shall schedule use of vacation days in a manner to
minimize interference with the orderly operation and conduct of business of the District
and comply with rules and procedures applicable to vacation time for administrative
employees. All scheduling of vacation is subject to the approval of the Board President.
Annual leave days, bereavement, personal days, illness days, and holidays shall be granted
and administered in the same manner as District administrators. The Superintendent,
having previously worked in the District as an administrator, shall carry forward existing
leave banks based on totals as of June 30, 2024.
6.5 Family and Medical Leave Act. Superintendent shall be eligible for family
medical leave consistent with Board policy and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Applicable paid leave shall be used concurrently with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
It is calculated annually on a rolling backward basis, except for military care giving leave,
which shall be calculated on a rolling forward basis by law. FMLA leave may be taken all
at once or, when medically necessary, in intermittent blocks. Intermittent blocks or reduced
schedule leave is also available for military family leave reasons.
B. If the Board (or designee) has reason to doubt the validity of the medical
certification supplied by Superintendent, the Board may require a second opinion,
at Board expense.
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C. If Superintendent is unable to or does not resume work at the conclusion of a leave
taken under this paragraph (or any extension), her employment and this Contract
may be terminated at the Board’s option. No such termination shall occur when
restoration after leave is required by the Family and Medical Leave Act.
D. Before resumption of duty after an unpaid leave of absence for a serious health
condition, Superintendent shall provide to the Board a fitness for duty certification
from Superintendent’s health care provider. A second opinion may be required by
the Board, at its expense, unless the securing of the second opinion in this context
is precluded by the Family and Medical Leave Act.
6.7 Fitness for Duty Certification. Prior to resumption of duty after a leave of
absence for a serious health condition, Superintendent shall provide to Board a fitness for
duty certification from Superintendent’s health care provider. A second opinion may be
required by Board, at its expense, unless the securing of the second opinion in this context
is precluded by the Family and Medical Leave Act.
7.2 Appeal Process. The Superintendent may appeal the evaluation process and
rating received to the Board. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Board
President within thirty (30) calendar days after the Superintendent is informed of the rating.
Within fifteen (15) days after the appeal is submitted, the Board shall provide the
Superintendent with written notice that a hearing shall be scheduled, in closed or open
session at the election of the Superintendent, to consider the appeal and for the
Superintendent to present witnesses, information and evidence. The hearing shall be
scheduled for a date mutually acceptable to the Board and Superintendent within 45 days
after the appeal is submitted, unless extended by mutual agreement. The Superintendent
may be represented by counsel at the hearing at their own expense. If the hearing does not
resolve the matter, the Superintendent may request binding arbitration by filing a demand
for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association within thirty (30) calendar days
after the hearing, or within forty-five (45) days after the appeal if no hearing is held. The
arbitration is subject to the Michigan Uniform Arbitration Act, MCL 691.1681, et seq., as
amended. The arbitrator shall be selected through the procedures of the American
Arbitration Association, Employment Arbitration Rules. The arbitrator shall have authority
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to issue any appropriate remedy, and the decision of the arbitrator shall be enforceable by
any court of competent jurisdiction.
8. Resignation
Superintendent shall provide at least sixty (60) days advanced written notice to the
Board of her intent to resign and terminate this Contract, unless the Board and
Superintendent mutually agree to a different timeline.
9. Nonrenewal
As required by Revised School Code Section 1229(1), the Board shall provide notice of
nonrenewal to the Superintendent at least ninety (90) days before the Contract’s expiration.
The decision whether or not to renew or extend this contract is solely within the discretion
of the Board. The Superintendent acknowledges that they have no expectation of
employment beyond the expiration date established in this contract. In the event the Board
shall decide not to renew the contract, it should be for good and just cause reasons. In the
absence of notice for nonrenewal or if the Board does not evaluate the Superintendent, then
she shall be considered effective for that contract year.
10. Termination
12. Miscellaneous
12.1 Professional Dues. Subject to prior approval by the Board President, the
fees or dues for membership in appropriate national, state, and local professional or civic
organizations shall be paid by Board. Membership shall include but is not limited to the
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Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) and the regional affiliate, the
American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Michigan School Business
Officials (MSBO), and the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development
(ASCD). Subject to prior approval by the Board President, Superintendent may attend
appropriate professional or civic meetings at the local, state, and national levels and shall
be reimbursed for any registration fees, tuition, travel, lodging, and/or reasonable meal
expenses for herself in relation thereto not prepaid by Board. Superintendent shall present
a receipt for the business expense as a condition for reimbursement.
12.3 Errors and Omissions Coverage. Board agrees to pay the premium amount
for errors and omissions insurance coverage for Superintendent while engaged in the
performance of a governmental function and while Superintendent is acting within the
scope of her authority. The policy limits for this coverage shall be not less than Five Million
Dollars ($5,000,000). The terms of the errors and omissions insurance policy shall be
controlling respecting defense and indemnity of Superintendent. The sole obligation
undertaken by Board shall be limited to the payment of premium amounts for the above
errors and omissions coverage. In the event that such insurance coverage cannot be
purchased in the above amounts and/or at a reasonable premium rate, Board shall have the
right to discontinue said coverage and shall so notify Superintendent. In that event, Board
agrees on a case-by-case basis to consider providing legal defense and/or indemnification
to Superintendent as is authorized under MCL 691.1408 and MCL 380.11a(3)(d).
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14. Dispute Resolution
14.2 Arbitrator’s Fee. Notwithstanding the fact that the AAA National Rules for
the Resolution of Employment Disputes may have a different arrangement for payment of
the arbitrator’s fees and costs, the parties expressly state their intent that the arbitrator’s fee
and the costs imposed by the American Arbitration Association shall be shared equally by
Board and Superintendent. Any claim for arbitration under this provision must be filed
with the American Arbitration Association, in writing, and served on Board within one
hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of Superintendent’s discharge during the
term of this Contract and to enforce award.
This Contract contains the entire agreement and understanding between the Board
and Superintendent with respect to the employment of Superintendent and no prior or
concurrent representations, promises, contracts or understandings, written or oral, not
contained herein shall be of any force or effect. All prior contracts or other agreements
(written or oral) pertaining to the terms of this Contract are cancelled and are superseded
by the terms of this Contract. Provided, that this Contract is voidable pursuant to the
provisions of the Revised School Code, pertaining to criminal records and criminal history
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checks. No amendment to or modification of this Contract shall be valid or binding unless
it is in writing and signed by Superintendent and Board. No valid waiver of any provision
of this Contract, at any time, shall be deemed a waiver of any other provision of this
Contract at such time or at any other time.
16. Severability
This Contract is executed on behalf of the District pursuant to the authority granted
under the laws of the State of Michigan.
18. Authorization
This Contract is executed on behalf of the Board of Education for Midland Public
Schools pursuant to the authority contained in the Board motion adopted on May 20, 2024,
the same being incorporated by reference.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Contract to be executed on the
day and year noted.
SUPERINTENDENT:
_________________________ ________________________________________
Date Penny Miller-Nelson, Superintendent
__________________________ _________________________________________
Date Its: President
__________________________ _________________________________________
Date Its: Secretary
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