The Board of Education gave Superintendent Paul Kadri a "B+" on his overall evaluation and approved a one-year extension of his contract until June 30, 2014.
The board voted 5-2 during a special board meeting on Aug. 22 to approve the extension.
Board members Patricia Doyle, Chaz Zezulka, chairman Brian Shirvell, Jen Sim, and Robert Peruzzotti voted yes; members Rita Volkmann and Beverly Washington voted no. Vice chair Kirsten Hoyt and Elizabeth Gianacoplos were absent for the vote.
On Kadri's evaluation, the board gave him an A- in educational leadership and organizational management, noting that he'd been deeply involved in the day-to-day management of the district, and delivered two years of zero percent budget increases.
"His astute skills in personnel and operations management resulted in no professional layoffs during two exceedingly tight budget years that greatly contributed to a positive school climate," the board wrote.
The evaluation said Kadri has worked "tirelessly" to implement far-reaching changes in Groton.
"Mr. Kadri is an aggressive, goal-oriented administrator; he is creative and moves quickly and decisively," the board said.
The board gave Kadri a B in community and board of education relations, and a B- in personal and professional qualities and relationships. The evaluation said Kadri is considered a leader at the state level but has contributed to some divisiveness in local government.
"He quickly responds to communications from staff and community, however on a few occasions the content of his responses can be construed as uneven and too opinionated," the board wrote.
The evaluation noted that Kadri took a significant role in moving forward the proposed Phase II construction program, and held public information sessions to explain it. Voters defeated the plan by a wide margin at referendum in May.
"While his intentions on behalf of the district were immense, his tolerance of those who maintained opposing positions was limited and the debates surrounding the issues could have been misconstrued as heated," the board said.
Kadri had asked the board to consider extending his contract by three years, the maximum allowed in Connecticut, according to the meeting minutes.
Under the contract, Kadri is paid a base salary of $167,475. His benefits include 22 days of paid vacation, 18 days of paid sick leave, 3 days of personal leave and 7 days of non-consecutive leave for religious observances, a death or to care for a critically ill family member.
Kadri is allowed up to $500 per month for travel and lodging expenses for trips related to his duties.
