Consolidated High School District 230 put their faith in Superintendent James Gay for the next five years.

At the Dec. 19 special meeting, the school board extended Gay’s contract until the 2015-2016 school year wraps up. Gay’s salary was set at $185,000 for the 2011-2012 school year, with future years’ pay to be later set by the board.

“The extension of Dr. Gay’s contract shows the School Board’s commitment to his leadership and the direction he has established for the district,” said School Board President Frank Grabowski in a news release.  “A five-year contract provides the stability and consistency in leadership that our students, staff, parents and community deserve, especially in light of the planned retirements of key administrative positions over the next few years.”

Carl Sandburg High School Principal Debbie Boniface will step aside once the current school year ends. CSHS Associate Principal Julia Wheaton was chosen to take the high school’s helm.

Liz Johnson, assistant superintendent for human resources, will retire after the 2013-2014 school year.

Steve Langert, assistant superintendent for business services, will retire following the 2014-2015 school year.