Mat-Su offers contract to superintendent

WASILLA (AP) -- The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Board unanimously voted to renew the contract for superintendent Pat Chesbro.

The board offered her a two-year contract, instead of the usual three year package.

The new agreement includes a six-month buyout clause. That provision differs from her current deal, which requires the district to pay for the full length of her contract if she is terminated without cause.

Dan Contini, school board president, described the outcome as a compromise between board members who supported Chesbro, and those who wanted to see a change.

Chesbro said Wednesday that she had not decided whether to accept the board's offer, but hoped to make her decision this week.

For the past several weeks, Chesbro has been under fire from unions representing school district employees -- including teachers, secretaries, custodians and principals. Three unions have asked for her resignation.

Chesbro has questioned the timing of the demands, noting that two of the unions are in the midst of contract negotiations with the district.