Documents TSPR obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request provide more details about the agreement between the West Prairie School District and its former superintendent.
TSPR received copies of Guy Gradert’s most recent employment contract, which he reached with the district in March 2023, and of the amended employment agreement that he signed last month.
Gradert was originally hired as West Prairie superintendent in 2020. His current contract was for five years, covering July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028.
His starting salary was $126,871, with pay increases of at least 4% each year of the pact.
He was subject to discharge with cause. The contract could also be ended through mutual agreement.
Gradert signed an amended employment agreement on Oct. 28 that places him on paid administrative leave through June 30, 2026.
He will be paid nearly $132,000 this school year and $137,000 next school year.
The district will also pay Gradert’s contributions to the Teachers’ Retirement System for the next two years, and he will receive his normal allotment of vacation and sick days.
He is allowed to perform other professional work outside of the district.
However, he won’t be paid for the final two years of the original contract.
The amended agreement does not explain why the district and Gradert parted ways. It does say neither side is allowed to disparage the other personally or professionally.
West Prairie’s school board is now searching for a new superintendent to begin on July 1, 2025.
Paula Markey is serving as interim superintendent. Her appointment began on Nov. 7.
Markey previously served as the West Central School District superintendent from 2015 to 2022, when she retired.
Since then, she’s served stints as interim principal at West Prairie North Elementary and in Canton. She has also worked as a consultant for West Prairie.
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