SPS extends Ridder's contract

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education, which recently completed its annual performance review of Superintendent Norm Ridder, has granted him a seventh contract extension.

Board members voted unanimously during a Jan. 24 executive session to extend Ridder's contract through the 2014-2015 academic year, according to a news release.

The contract extension does not change Ridder's current base pay of $157,755.

“After a thorough evaluation of Dr. Ridder’s performance in the past year, we are impressed with what he has achieved,” SPS Board of Education President Tom Prater said in the release. "The school board is particularly pleased with Dr. Ridder’s leadership through the state audit process and his strategic planning efforts."

Prater also noted Ridder's collaboration with the community, civic leaders and legislators. “One example of his involvement is at the state level in the policy-making and funding processes which directly benefits our local school district and our local taxpayers," Prater added.

According to Springfield Business Journal archives, Ridder, who has held the district's reins since 2005, was instrumental in proposing and campaigning for a $96.5 million bond initiative in 2006; the district recorded its highest attendance rate in more than 20 years in 2008; and a $50 million bond initiative passed in 2009. Also, district seniors have outpaced state and national averages on ACT exams.

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