Libby school superintendent receives extension

After debating the pros and cons of contract lengths, the Libby School Board on Monday night approved a two-year extension to school superintendent Kirby Maki.

A major factor in the issue at hand revolved around the school district’s ongoing Asa Wood building project. Maki serves in an important role with his involvement in those discussions.

“We’re at a point now with where we’re at with our five-year plan and Carving New Directions … that having that commitment to see us through that phase is important,” school board member Tony Rebo said. “I can’t imagine starting the process and then it goes by the wayside and have somebody else come in.”

Maki’s contract was extended two years with a 2-percent raise on a 5-2 vote – Paula Darko-Hensler and Lee Disney voted nay.

The possibility that a major fundamental shift on the school board could occur in just one election was brought up by Disney as one way to look at a multi-year contract. Playing the role of devil’s advocate, Disney threw out various “what-ifs” involved with that scenario. Disney also said he believes new superintendents should have at least a three-year contract to give him or her time to make a difference.

“I personally like to see the superintendent not necessarily on the hot seat and future boards saddled with a superintendent with a 10-year contract,” Disney said.

Darko-Hensler made it clear that she approved of Maki returning as superintendent but was against a contract that runs more than one year.

As such, she made a motion to split the superintendent vote so board members could reach a decision on contract length before approving Maki’s contract with the raise. The motion was voted down.

“I’m happy to have one year,” Maki said after school board members debated for several minutes. “It’s my 42nd year working in schools and I’m not advocating for two or three or anything. I’m happy to have one – that’s your choice. I’m just happy to be employed.”

Gary Huntsberger made the original motion to approve Maki and both Bruce Sickler and Ellen Johnston expressed support for a two-year deal.

“It’s very important that consistency be maintained,” Huntsberger said.

Rebo believes it’s very important for Maki to continue in his current role.

“To me, we’re safeguarding ourselves from a new board,” Rebo said. “We’re locking him in for two years staying with us. It would be disastrous if a new board came in (and Maki was not here).”