Pine Plains extends school chief's contract again

Pine Plains Central School District Superintendent Martin Handler has gotten a contract extension and salary boost, for the second time in a year.

The board extended Handler's contract until the 2019-20 school year. It was set to expire at the end of the 2018-19 year.

The extension is a nod to "the extraordinary accomplishments and progress the district has made, both educationally and with fiscal responsibly, under Dr. Handler's leadership," said board President Fred "Chip" Couse in a news release.

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Last February, Handler's contract was extended through the 2018-19 year; prior to that, it was set to expire at the end of this school year. 

Handler is "among the longest tenured and most experienced superintendents in Dutchess County," Couse said.

He's also among the lowest paid, with a salary of $176,638. Next school year, it will be $188,500.

Handler's total estimated compensation — salary plus benefits — is the second lowest in Dutchess, at $217,613, according to a Journal analysis of contracts and state salary disclosure reports.

School chief compensation in the county ranges from Spackenkill Superintendent Mark Villanti's $207,714, to Rhinebeck Superintendent Joseph Phelan's $281,232.

"We believe we have struck a fair balance recognizing Dr. Handler's accomplishments with the constraints of the tax base," Couse said.

Handler has led the Pine Plains district since 2013.

The school chief has made "academic progress a cornerstone of his tenure in Pine Plains and has been innovative in offering our students an ever increasing range of relevant courses and opportunities," Couse said. Handler has "prudently managed the infrastructure and finances ... to insure no 'sudden surprises' of building needs for the taxpayers."

And the district is "experiencing unprecedented labor peace under his leadership," Couse said. 

Nina Schutzman: nschutzman@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-451-4518 Twitter: @pojonschutzman