Gowanda to pay former superintendent
$150K, plus $9K a month
Klubek still cashing in
Feb 25, 2018
Andrew Kuczkowski
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James Klubek
GOWANDA – Former Gowanda Superintendent James Klubek may be out, but he is still on the district’s payroll.
As part of the separation agreement between the Gowanda Board of Education and the former district leader, the school will pay Klubek $150,000 and an additional $9,000 a month from February 2018 to September 2019.
Klubek was projected to make $145,343 this school year, according to seethroughny.net.
The separation agreement stated that the $150,000 lump sum payment shall be made in two disbursements. A $50,000 nonelective employer contribution will be made to Klubek’s 403 (b) tax-sheltered annuity account and another $100,000 directly to Klubek; both payments are required within 15 business days from the board’s approval of the agreement.
The additional $9,000 for 20 total months, or $180,000 in total, will be paid for by the district unless Klubek obtains other employment.
The agreement releases Klubek from his duties, as well as stating he waives the right to a hearing and may only apply for employment at the district with permission and the board is not obligated to hire him.
It also adds a confidentiality factor saying, “11. The District agrees that, should it receive inquiries from prospective employers regarding Mr. Klubek’s service with the District, … the Board President’s response shall be limited to confirming Mr. Klubek’s dates of employment and titles of employment held.”
Klubek signed the agreement on Jan. 30 and the school board president signed it Feb. 7, the same day the board accepted the resignation. The information was given to the OBSERVER after a FOIL request following his resignation.
Klubek was absent from a handful of meetings starting at the end of 2017.
He was hired on July 1, 2014, according to SeethroughNY. On July 5, 2016 his contract was extended until after the 2019-2020 school year. Klubek, according to the contract, received $135,000 from July 2014 to June 30, 2015; $137,000 from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016; and $139,000 from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.
Gowanda High School Principal Dr. Robert Anderson will fill the role of interim superintendent until further notice.
Twitter: @Kuczkowski95
