In a special closed session on Jan. 26, board members voted to extend Superintendent Chris Gaines' contract through the 2011-12 school year. When Gaines was hired in February 2008, he signed a three-year contract. The recommendation was approved by a 5-0 vote with Alice Klem absent. "I am looking forward to being here," said Gaines, who will be paid $116,600 in the 2009-10 school year. "I am glad the board has found value with what I have brought to the district." Under his previous contract, Gaines was paid $110,000 annually. Under the terms of the new contract, Gaines received a 6 percent pay raise - or a $6,600 bump in salary - from his initial contract. He will continue to receive an annual raise, as his salary will be between $120,098 and $125,928 for the 2010-11 school year. In the final year of his contract, his salary will increase 3 to 8 percent. According to the contract, the school board will base Gaines' future salaries upon his annual performance review. "We wanted some stability opposed to the revolving door we've had in the past," board member Melissa Springmeyer said. "Chris seems committed to the district and we are committed to him." Gaines' contract with the district also includes benefits and he is entitled up to 20 vacation days during each year, excluding weekends and legal holidays. He is allowed to roll over five unused vacation days from the 2008-09 school year to the 2009-10 school year. In addition, Gaines may become a member of professional organizations in which he deems appropriate with the district covering the costs up to $2,500. He also is reimbursed by the school board for "reasonable and necessary expenses" related to his duties. Before coming to Wright City, Gaines was superintendent for seven years in the Crawford County R-I School District in Bourbon. Prior to that, he was principal at Bourbon High School. "There are really good people everywhere, but I feel I've been around some great people, communities and school districts," Gaines said. "Here, I have met some great folks. It's been a nice community to come into." Gaines faces some challenges as he guides the R-II district forward. In April, the district is seeking voter approval for a $3.5 million no-tax increase bond proposal to fund athletic facility improvements and air condition the remainder of the high school and the existing elementary school gym. In August, the district will open a new elementary school facility which will house kindergarten and first-grade students for the time being. When the district began construction, a surrounding subdivision expected to have 100 homes constructed to help fill the building as a kindergarten through fifth grade facility. Also, the district faces a budget crunch as it deals with the economic downturn. Regardless, Gaines envisions a bright future for the district. "We have some great things being done by some incredible staff members."