In an unanimous vote Monday night, the Blue Valley school board approved a three-year contract extension for superintendent Tonya Merrigan.

Details: Here are some key details in Merrigan’s new deal:

• A base salary of $266,307 — a roughly 6% increase over last year, in line with the annual cost of living adjustment set by the federal government — with a chance for raises in future years.
• A three-year term lasting from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025.
• A $1,000 monthly automobile allowance to cover travel expenses around the district, and $150 monthly communication allowance to cover cell phone and data plan expenses.
• Up to an extra $35,000 stipend per year in performance pay “in the event the superintendent performs her employment duties and responsibilities in an exemplary manner.”
• Standard health insurance package, a tax sheltered annuity plan and membership in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System.

Bigger picture: Merrigan’s new contract is in line with compensation packages for Johnson County’s other two biggest public school districts.

• Shawnee Mission Superintendent Michelle Hubbard, who just completed her first year in that role, gets paid a base salary of $255,000 with a $10,000 retention bonus.
• Olathe Schools superintendent Brent Yeager, who also just completed his first year as that district’s top leader, makes $250,000 with a performance bonus equaling up to 10% of his base salary, or roughly $25,000. He also receives roughly $25,000 in contributions to a tax-sheltered annuity.

During 2021-22, which was Merrigan’s second year leading that district, she made $250,000, with performance bonuses totaling up to $30,000 annually.

Board’s response: The approval to extend Merrigan’s contract with the district was met with a standing ovation from both the board members and the crowd at Monday’s meeting.

• “[Merrigan’s] been special to this district and special with leading this group through changes and turmoil coming in during a tough time,” at-large board member Tom Mitchell said. “I’m thrilled to keep [her] engaged, and I look forward to next year.”

Background: Merrigan came into the Blue Valley superintendent role in 2019 as the successor to Todd White, who retired from the position.

• She first joined the school district in 1999 as a high school counselor and has worked her way up through a number of roles to her current position.