Three-year contract with benefits is $212,000 annually
It’s official – Alan Nishino, 58, will become the next superintendent of the Morgan Hill School District on July 1.

Nishino, who is superintendent of the the Alameda School District, signed on May 6 a contract negotiated by his attorney and MHSD’s adviser. The School Board voted unanimously Monday night to approve hiring Nishino.

“We have spent the last three months being very diligent in involving the community in the process,” Board President Shellé Thomas said Monday night after the vote. “And I feel very confident, the board feels very confident, that we have listened to all stakeholders in the community. I think the board feels very confident in moving forward with Dr. Nishino as our new superintendent.”

Nishino declined to comment until he had an opportunity to make an official announcement in his district. He was notified of the board’s decision via a cell phone call from Trustee Mike Hickey.

Trustees agreed to pay Nishino a base salary of $185,000, with an annual stipend of $2,500 for his master’s and doctorate degrees. If his annual evaluation is at least satisfactory, Nishino will receive a 3 percent raise. The board also can give Nishino an additional merit increase.

Superintendent Carolyn McKennan, whose contract expires June 30, led the district for nine years. Her total pay package, including benefits, totaled approximately $170,000. She also receives an annual longevity bonus, which was cumulative, of $5,000.

Nishino will receive $6,000 per year in health and welfare benefits (the same as district teachers and other administrators) and is entitled to 20 days of sick leave and 30 days of vacation per year.

The total pay package is $212,700.

All seven trustees signed the contract, which runs from July 1 to June 30, 2008.

Thomas said the board is confident Nishino will carry on the good work of the district.

“In the Alameda School District, there is a saying: ‘Student success, whatever it takes,’” she said. “We know Dr. Nishino will help our district achieve its goal of success for all of our students.”

The board voted to hire RJ Gatti Associates for more than $14,000 to assist in the search for a new superintendent. Twenty-one applications were reviewed by trustees; six were brought in for interviews with the board and an advisory committee, made up of community members, district employees and two students. Three of the six were brought back for a second interview, then trustees decided to visit Nishino’s district. After the one-day visit, he was offered the position.

Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. She can be reached by e-mail at md****@mo*************.com or phoning (408)779-4106 Ext. 202.

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