LOS LUNAS — After about an hour in executive session reviewing Superintendent Dana Sander’s contract, the Los Lunas Board of Education approved a 7 percent raise for her, but did not extend her contract.

Dana Sanders

Because Sanders has 2 1/2 years remaining on her current contract and because all the board seats are up for election in November, the board wanted to let the new board decide on her contract, said Brian Smith, vice president of the board.

“I believe that it would be appropriate if we were to allow the incoming board an opportunity to administer the superintendent’s contract,” Smith said.

The new board will have about two years to evaluate the superintendent and come up with a contract of their own.

Two of the board seats were appointed when Art Castillo, District 5, resigned due to health reasons, and Georgia Otero Kirkham, District 3, died in August. The other three seats are up for regular election.

However, because there hasn’t been a salary increase, the board wanted to offer one, Smith said.

Sanders currently earns $153,750 and would receive about an $11,000 raise.

“We totally support you (and your staff’s) efforts and the direction you are taking this district in,” said Board secretary Sonya C’Moya. “We appreciate and value you …”

Sanders said the board has always been very supportive of what she has done.

“I guess you know where my heart is after 31 years,” Sanders said to the board.

The superintendent said she sees everything the board did as a vote of confidence.

“They all support what I’m doing and want to see us continue to make the changes that are good for kids,” Sanders said.

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Deborah Fox