School Committees Approve Raise for Superintendent

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and the Union 26 School Committee approved an increase in compensation for School Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman (Dr. Xi) at a special meeting on June 30. Dr. Xi began her second year in the job on July 1. The added compensation is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding dated June 24, 2025 and amends Dr. Xi’s current contract that was effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.

The agreement provides the following additions to Dr. Xi’s compensation.

Compensation
The Superintendent will receive a 2.5% base wage increase, effective July 1, 2025, resulting in a bi-weekly salary of $6,958.15, which, if annualized, would equal $180,912.00. 

Doctoral Stipends
The Superintendent will receive a doctoral stipend for each fiscal year in the amount of $2,500 during the term of this agreement, beginning in Fiscal Year 2025.

Reimbursement of Expenses
Section 10 of the Agreement will be amended to read: The Committees shall reimburse the Superintendent for all expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties under this Agreement. Such expenses shall include, but shall not be limited to, costs of transportation and attendance at appropriate local, state, and national meetings and conferences up to $2,500.00 per fiscal year, subject to appropriation. In addition, the Superintendent shall be eligible for reimbursement of up to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per fiscal year for superintendent-specific professional development activities.

Transition Stipend
In recognition of the scope and complexity of responsibilities associated with the Superintendent’s first year of service, the Superintendent will receive a one-time Transition Stipend in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00), less applicable withholdings and deductions. The purpose of this stipend is to support a smooth and effective leadership transition during Fiscal Year 2025. This stipend is nonrecurring and will not be renewed in subsequent years. 

Fringe Benefits
Section 13 will be amended to include a new section that reads: In consideration of the high number of night meetings each year, the Superintendent may take up to two (2) days per month as compensation leave. Said days may be taken in full or half-day increments and must be used within the fiscal year in which they are earned. Section 13(b) of the Agreement willl be amended to read: The Superintendent shall accrue twenty-six (26) days of vacation leave annually to be scheduled upon notice to the Chairs of the Committees.