The primary item on the agenda was the extension of Superintendent Carrubba’s contract, which will now run through June 2027. The extension includes a 1.5% salary increase for the last two years of the contract, maintaining this year’s salary as agreed three years ago. However, some residents expressed dissatisfaction with the process and the financial impact of this extension.

One resident, Carolyn Seabone, raised several issues regarding the transparency and timing of the meeting’s notice. She pointed out discrepancies in the posting dates, noting that the meeting notice was not available on the district’s website within the required timeframe. Seabone also highlighted potential budgetary concerns if the shared services agreement with Harmony Township School District were to end, questioning whether provisions for this scenario had been accounted for in the budget.

Another resident, Katie Galen, echoed Seabone’s financial concerns, stating that the superintendent’s salary and additional benefits seemed excessive for a small town like Belvidere. Galen questioned the necessity of paying over $200,000 annually, especially when other districts with more students pay their superintendents less. She also pointed out the significant number of paid leave days included in the contract, suggesting that for such a salary, the superintendent should be present more frequently.

Jay Roth, another community member, focused on the district’s academic performance over the years. Roth shared data indicating that the school’s performance in English and mathematics has been below state averages for several years. He urged the board to set specific performance goals for the superintendent to improve these results over the next three years.

Despite these concerns, the board moved forward with the vote. The contract extension was approved with a majority, although one member abstained from voting.