The personnel committee’s recommendation to approve a new contract accepted by United South Central’s superintendent drew applause and cheers.

“I have grown to love all the communities and people in the district. We have some positive things going on right now and I’m excited to try and move that forward,” says Jerry Jensen.

Board members unanimously voted to add 13 days to this year’s 156-day contract.

Jensen’s annual salary will now be at $86,000. He was hired in 2009 to work three days a week.

In 2013 another 13 days will be added, upping the contract to 182 working days through the 2014-15 school year.

He will earn about $95,000 and $97,000 the next two years.

Board member Kari Jacobson – who serves on the three-member personnel committee – says the original three-year agreement was amended because of the extra time Jensen is spending on the new school project.

“He has to build a school for us. We just want to see some continuity,” says Jacobson. “He’s been talking with the architects. And, he’s the one who helped push and sell the referendum.”

The board also voted to hold a meeting with the architects of the project during the first week in January.

Jensen says board members need to be informed of any changes being made to the original layout and design.

USC also has received half of Bevcomm’s $100,000 pledge once the referendum was approved last August. The funds have been earmarked for technological upgrades.

The new school will be 151,000 square feet with a capacity for 750 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th.

Construction is expected to begin by next spring with completion for the start of the 2014-15 school year.

Jodell Timm, of the district’s business office, gave a power-point presentation during the Truth-in-Taxation portion of the meeting.

Timm outlined the district’s sources of revenue and expenditures.

The 2012 tax levy, payable next year, is going to increase more than $1.967 million.

“It’s a big change. It’s because of what the voters approved,” says Timm.

She’s referring to the passage of a $28.825 bond referendum.

Jensen says the nearly $2 million is needed to start making bond payments for the new school.

Board members unanimously approved the tax levy and budget for next year.