West Fargo Superintendent Chuck Cheney said he's sticking around a few more years.
Cheney, 59, just finished his fourth year as superintendent. When he took the job, he said he planned to stay in the position four to six years.
Now he's told West Fargo School Board members -- who were wondering if they need to start looking for his successor -- that he'll serve at least two more years beyond the current four.
"I anticipate it being six years or more (as superintendent)," he said.
He also promised to give the board six to 12 months' notice before he retires.
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School Board members, who said Cheney would be extremely difficult to replace, gave him a glowing annual performance evaluation.
Board member Duane Hanson praised Cheney's leadership, particularly on the $31 million bond issue overwhelming approved by West Fargo voters a year ago.
The district is using the money to build a new middle school and to expand and renovate all six elementary schools.
Board member Karen Nitzkorski described Cheney as an "outstanding administrator."
Cheney joined the West Fargo district as a teacher in 1965. He later served as a junior high principal before being becoming assistant superintendent in 1986.
He was named superintendent in 1999 after Marvin Leidal, its longtime superintendent, retired.
Cheney earned $109,400 in 2002-03 and is tentatively scheduled to get a 5 percent raise next school year. The raise is expected to be approved at the board's July 29 meeting.
A 5 percent raise already has been approved for Louise Dardis, assistant West Fargo superintendent.
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She earned $88,765 in 2002-03 and will earn $93,200 in 2003-04.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530
