Feuling’s contract approved through 2027

Carson City School Superintendent Andrew Feuling’s contract has been renewed effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027, without a net increase in compensation the first year and subject to an annual increase of $5,000 at the discretion of the school board.

Board President Laurel Crossman said during Tuesday’s meeting she met with Feuling and legal counsel to review provisions of Feuling’s contract and that he did not request a salary increase for the first year, asking that it remain the same. Crossman noted she made any subsequent increases on Feuling’s behalf.

“I wanted to build into this contract some protections knowing that this board for nine years did not give a raise to former Superintendent Mr. (Richard) Stokes, so I wanted to have something in the contract so as we got busy with business we didn’t overlook the fact and be the only district that never gives a raise to its superintendent,” Crossman said.

Feuling’s annual base salary will remain at $170,000 for year one and will be subject to the $5,000 annual increase thereafter at the board’s discretion. The salary schedule proposed was comparable to the district’s administrators’ merit increases, and those positions typically receive a 3% annual increase. Crossman said the language for Feuling’s renewal offered a 2.9% increase starting his second year and this figure slightly decreases per year.

Stokes, who became Carson City’s superintendent in 2008-09, was paid approximately $126,000 until 2013-14 and saw only minor increases until 2016-17 when his salary was raised to $141,394. In 2017-18, it became $160,000, and for 2020-21 and 2021-22, the board approved the cumulative 8.2 percent increase to $173,189 and $176,653, respectively. Ultimately, it was a 13% bump, but district staff members have had 2 and 3 percent raises throughout the years, Crossman informed the Appeal.

Feuling’s initial contract was for one year, but the term has been adjusted to four years to help provide stability as some principals approach retirement and the board seeks to have a consistent administrator in place, Crossman noted.

“We’re making sure we stay on track on how to make improvements for kids,” she said.

The board also revised the superintendent’s evaluation form and formatting, which generally consisted of amendments to language or the framework for rating.

The board approved Feuling’s contract in a 7-0 vote, with Feuling accepting the changes.

“I appreciate all of you and working with you,” he said. “You’re an amazing board and everyone in the district, and the support has been overwhelming this year, so thank you so much.”