New West Bloomfield Schools Supt. Takes Pay Cut

Gerald Hill, 60, signed a four-year contract on Friday to work as the superintendent of West Bloomfield Schools in the wake of JoAnn Andrees' retirement.

Hill, who most recently worked as superintendent of a school district in Glenview, IL, will receive $190,000 the first year with the possibility of an increase each year after, plus an $11,000 annual annuity, under the agreement. 

Hill earned $270,000 in his last year as superintendent in Glenview, according to reports. Andrees earned $153,425 with a $10,000 annuity this year, which represents a 10 percent pay cut from last year's salary.

Hill's salary is tied to that of the teachers, represented by the West Bloomfield Education Association, in that it will be increased by the same percentage as the increase to teachers' base salary in the current collective bargaining agreement.

Hill told Patch when he first accepted the job earlier in the month that he retired from the Illinois district with the intent of continuing his career elsewhere, expecting to take a pay cut and interviewing for similar positions in multiple states.

“In my situation, I’m able to take advantage of and moving to another state," Hill explained. "I didn't want to stop working, but I didn't expect a raise in compensation." 

Additional highlights from the seven-page document include:

• Hill will not receive medical, dental, or optical insurance. 
• Any unused sick leave days will be permitted to accumulate, but not to exceed 90 days and cannot be accumulated for redemption or buy out at time of termination.
• The contract is valid from July 1 of this year through June 30, 2016.
• Hill will be reimbursed for up to $7,000 for the move to Michigan.
• Hill will not be granted continuing tenure over the duration of the contract.
• Hill will be evaluated annually by the Board of Education for his work towards goals and relationships within the staff, board, and community.