Cynthia Weaver, a teacher at Brewer High School, was recognized as Region II Career Technical National Teacher of the Year at the Morgan County School Board Meeting Dec. 11. Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. is shown presenting her with an award. | Clif Knight

The Morgan County School Board approved an $8,755 base salary increase for Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. at its regular meeting Dec. 11. In addition, he will receive a $250 per month expense allowance and be eligible for annual pay increases up to 5 percent for the next four years based on performance evaluations by the board.

Other parts of his salary and benefits package will remain intact. They include eligibility to receive any future pay increases from the state in accordance with current board policy, personal health insurance coverage valued at $9,360 annually and reimbursement of business-related expenses.

Hopkins’ current salary is $111,245 per year. His new salary and benefits package will become effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Board members discussed the superintendent’s salary and benefits for 30 minutes in a work session before reaching an agreement.

Senior board member Tom Earwood offered the first proposal.

He recommended a $122,369 base salary or a 2.5 percent increase annually over the next four years, in addition to any increases coming from the state. His package would include   car insurance, maintenance and upkeep valued at approximately $7,200 per year, health insurance for he and his family valued at $11,460 and reimbursement for business-related expenses.

“I think this is a fair proposal,” Earwood pointed out. “Mr. Hopkins is the face of Education in Morgan County. He has not received a pay increase in the past four years other than what he has received from the state. He has proved himself capable of leading our school system and being accountable to the people who elected him.”

Board member Jeff McLemore countered with his offer, which turned out to be the one approved by the board. “I like the idea of making any future board-approved raises subject to annual performance evaluations of the board,” McLemore said.

“I’m humbled to know that the board would consider me for any increase in compensation,” said Hopkins. “Morgan County Schools will always be my life no matter what the compensation is.”