The Community Consolidated School District 15 board approved a contract extension for Superintendent Scott Thompson at a special meeting Nov. 30.

The contract will initially pay Thompson an annual salary of $198,000. The contract extends through June 30, 2013. School Board President Gerald Chapman said Thompson's contract was due to expire at the end of this school year and the school board wanted to make a commitment to Thompson.

Thompson was hired as the interim superintendent in July following the abrupt resignation of his predecessor, Daniel Lukich. The district will continue paying Lukich's salary of $185,000 through June 30. The district's obligation could be lessened if Lukich takes another position.

"In his short time in District 15 Mr. Thompson has demonstrated positive leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement of our school district," Chapman said. "He is a proven leader who will serve all children of the District 15 community."

One school board member voted against the new contract. Board member Tim Millar said the new deal was a disservice to tax payers. Aside from the extension to 2013, the new contract also boosted Thompson's salary for the current school year.

"It is just wrong to redo a contract," Millar said. "Both parties knew what they were getting into."

Millar said the district already had Thompson under contract through the end of the current school year for $147,000 and there was no reason to change it. Millar said the new contract will cost about $68,000 more this school year was a "bad deal" for taxpayers.

Board member Sue Quinn said she was concerned that specific goals for Thompson were not spelled out in the contract. However, she said she strongly supported the superintendent and voted in favor of the new contract.

Thompson has worked in education in the Chicago area for more than 21 years. He has been a fifth grade teacher, assistant principal and a principal. He previously served as superintendent in Antioch District 34 in 2005.

Since becoming superintendent he has worked to improve communication within the district. Among the initiatives he has launched has been Navigate15, an outreach effort meant to involve residents in helping to plot the district's future.

"I am very excited that the board has confidence in me to lead this fine organization," Thompson said.

The $198,000 salary for the current school year will be prorated. In future years the school board will determine the annual  salary of the superintendent by June 30.

"I am honored to serve in a district with such a rich history and tradition of excellence," Thompson said.