David Foley, superintendent of South Butler School District as of November 2017

The Knoch School District superintendent will remain at the district until at least 2027, but hanging on to the district’s leader comes at a cost.

Donna Eakin, school board president, said at Wednesday’s board meeting that another school district approached Knoch superintendent David Foley about taking the top job at that district. She did not name the district.

She said Foley told the other district’s officials that he has no intention of leaving Knoch, but the district presented him with a written offer.

Foley told Eakin the annual salary in the offer was difficult to ignore, as it would benefit himself and his family.

While she did not reveal the salary offered to Foley by the other district, Eakin asked for a motion to increase his annual pay from $165,000 to $190,000 in the interest of keeping him at Knoch “for years to come.”

Foley’s new five-year contract, which expires in 2027, would reflect the $190,000 annual salary as well.

“I would like to thank Dr. Foley for his professionalism throughout this process and for his commitment to the district’s staff, students and families,” Eakin said.

Board member Jill McDonald made the motion to increase Foley’s annual pay, and William Gebhart offered a second.

Debra Miller, a 19-year board member, was the sole “no” vote in the action.

Miller said after the meeting that she didn’t like the feeling of having no other option but to increase Foley’s salary, as Knoch does not employ an assistant superintendent who could fill in and the district is in the middle of a large renovation project spearheaded by Foley.

She added that many district taxpayers are on fixed incomes, and that bargaining units in the district likely will use Foley’s increase as means of negotiating for higher salaries for their members.

Miller also eschews comparisons among districts regarding salaries.

“My philosophy on salaries is what is it worth to us?” Miller said.

Foley said during the superintendent report portion of the meeting that he appreciates the board’s support.

“I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Knoch team,” Foley said.

Foley was hired four years ago at a salary of $150,000.

Brayman Construction CEO Stephen Muck donated a check for $45,000 to the Knoch Knights Legacies Foundation through the state Education Improvement Tax Credit program. Pictured, from left, are Muck; Lindsay DeFelice, a foundation trustee; and David Foley, Knoch School District superintendent. SUBMITTED PHOTO