by Ellin Walsh

Reporter

Peninsula -- The Woodridge Local School District Board of Education approved a pay increase for its superintendent and treasurer Sept. 23.

Four Board members favored the 2.25 percent pay raise for Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham. Board member Cheryl Hoover dissented.

The vote to increase Treasurer Deanna Levenger's salary by 4 percent was unanimous.

Graham had earned $111,073 annually; with the pay increase, which is retroactive to Aug. 1, and a longevity step increase of 2.65 percent, Graham's yearly salary becomes $116,515. Graham became the district's superintendent five years ago. His contract runs through July 31, 2009.

"The nation is facing scary economic times," Hoover said via an e-mail to the Falls News-Press. "I think it best to use our limited resources to bring our treasurer's salary into parity with surrounding districts. Our superintendent is already paid comparably to Cuyahoga Falls and Stow superintendents."

"I think the Board is comprised of honest people," Graham said, "and I believe they voted their conscience."

Levenger had been earning an annual salary of $83,335. With the pay hike, which is retroactive to Aug. 1, and a longevity step increase of 2.65 percent, she now will receive $88,877 per year. Levenger joined the district eight years ago. Her contract extends through the organizational meeting of the Board in January 2011.

"I think Woodridge is a great district and community," Levenger said, "and I feel it is an honor to serve as the treasurer of Woodridge schools. I appreciate the pay increase." In August 2007, Graham received a 3 percent pay increase and Levenger received a 7 percent pay raise.

E-mail: ewalsh@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3908