Brian White

The Butler Area School Board approved a new five-year contract with Superintendent Brian White.

Board members unanimously voted in favor of the contract Monday.

White, who began serving as superintendent in August 2017, said it is an honor to continue leading the district, and board President Al Vavro said the board is to pleased to have White remain with the district.

“A lot of gratitude,” White said Tuesday. “I'm humbled by the board's support. It's quite an honor to lead the district and lead in a way that emulates where they want to go and make improvements. I think we've accomplished a lot and we have lot more to accomplish.”

He said he's glad to be able to continue working with the district's dedicated staff, teachers and administrators.

“There's a lot of talent that cares about kids. It's exciting,” White said.

He said there were two years left on his initial five-year contract. The new contract runs from Sept. 20 this year to June 30, 2025.

His salary this year is $206,205 and he will receive raises in each year of the contract. The raises will be 2% or an amount based the salary of other superintendents in the area.

Vavro said he respects White for many reasons, including his decision to remain with the school district while he has been recruited by other districts that could pay him more.

“Dr. White stayed with us because he wants to make sure the good things he started continue. I have respect for that. He could have bailed on the district. I think that speaks to him as a professional,” Vavro said.

Other districts contact Butler Area to ask for the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines that White developed, he said.

“COVID-19 is a nightmare for us and all districts. Dr. White is always ahead of the curve. He has done just superb. Other districts ask us for things we've done. That speaks to his leadership skills,” Vavro said.

White developed the free meal program for students at the beginning of the pandemic, he said.

He credits White for getting input from teachers, parents and students for the district's strategic plan, and for obtaining grant money from government and private sources.

White was hired while a lawsuit against the district and three former administrators over high copper and lead levels in the drinking water at Summit Elementary School was being resolved.

“Brian came in toward the tail end of the Summit water crisis. He knew it when he was hired. He handled it very well,” Vavro said.

He also said White is transparent with the board, accessible to everybody, and spends time at district schools and in the community.

“We are so very pleased he decided to stay for five more years,” Vavro said.