Dearborn Heights District 7 Supt. Jeffrey Bartold (right) is presented with a State of Michigan Special Tribute from State Rep. Robert Constan (D-Dearborn Heights) during a meeting May 16 at Pardee Elementary School for his years of service to the district and for taking a 10 percent pay cut.
By DANIEL HERATY
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – A local school superintendent was honored recently for helping the district cut costs.
Dearborn Heights District 7 Supt. Jeffrey Bartold received a State of Michigan Special Tribute from state Sen. Robert Constan (D-Dearborn Heights) during a special Board of Education meeting at Pardee Elementary School Monday.
The award, which was sponsored by the Michigan House of Representatives, was given in recognition of Bartold’s service to the district and his willingness to take a 10 percent pay cut to help offset the budget cuts. In addition, he suspended receipt of a 5 percent annuity, or a payment at specified intervals, in his contract. He had waived the annuity for the previous three years.
“This is a prime example of his leadership of the district,” school Board President Philip Shannon said.
Bartold said he knew an award was going to be presented, but didn’t know what for.
“I wasn’t sure what I was going to get, to be honest,” he said. “I appreciate it. I’m happy to receive it.”
The superintendent said he has received awards through the district before, but that this is the first time he has received recognition from the state House.
Four other members of the administration also were recognized at the meeting for taking the 10 percent pay cut. They included Director of Technology Lynn Wietecha; Assistant Supt. Charlene Coulson; Plant Operations Supervisor John Nicholl and Cindy DeSmit, Bartold’s administrative assistant.
(Daniel Heraty can be reached at [email protected].)