New Superintendent's Contract Brings Savings for Royal Oak Schools

Royal Oak's new schools superintendent signed a contract that will save the district about $100,000 over the life of the contract, Board of Education President Gary Briggs said. It is a three-year contract with provisions for one-year extentions after each year, based on performance and board approval.

School officials and incoming schools chief  finalized the deal Friday, which now goes before the full Board of Education for final approval during its regular meeting Thursday.

If approved by the board, the contract will provide a significant savings to the district’s bottom line during this time of crisis for public education funding. It provides the district with about $40,000 savings annually, with the exception of the first year, which will provide a $30,000 savings after the district pays $10,000 in moving costs.

"We are getting the candidate we wanted at a reduced cost, but we did not sacrifice quality," Briggs said.

In the contract, Lewis-Lakin’s salary is set at $150,000 with a $15,000 tax annuity, bringing his total compensation package to $165,000. Retiring Superintendent Thomas Moline has a total compensation package of about $192,000. Lewis-Lakin will also be paying 20 percent of his health care costs, Briggs said. 

The complete contract will be made available following board approval.

Lewis-Lakin is to start with the Royal Oak district on July 1, replacing Moline who will retire after six years with the district. Lewis-Lakin was chosen as the final candidate and offered the position April 20.