STATESMAN -- The Austin school board on Monday night approved a one-year contract extension for Superintendent Paul Cruz as part of his annual evaluation.
His contract now goes through Dec. 31, 2021. Cruz, who receives a base salary of $310,958, declined an annual raise.
The board voted 6-1, with Trustee Ted Gordon voting against, reading a statement that said he “cannot accept the status quo.”
Gordon said he could not vote in favor of the extension until the district prioritizes lifting the low academic performance among low-income children of color.
“The district is in a crisis mode,” Gordon told the American-Statesman. “It can’t be business as usual. The achievement gaps haven’t been adequately addressed.”
Cruz, the district’s first Latino superintendent, has led the district since January 2015.
This year’s evaluation is based on targets trustees set for him in 2017. His annual performance review is discussed privately among trustees, as is customary.
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