District 113A Board Makes Counter-Offer to Outgoing Business Manager

In a surprise move, the Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education voted Friday to extend the contract of business manager Barbara Germany, who was set to leave her position at the end of the month.

Just 24 hours after calling an emergency special meeting to discuss personnel, the board voted 5-2 to extend Germany's contract by one year. Vice President Dave Molitor and David Deitemyer cast the dissenting votes.

Board President Cindy Kelly declined to comment on the details of Germany's contract, but confirmed that the board presented her with a counter-offer when she handed in her resignation. The new contract includes a higher salary, Kelly said.

"She's an excellent employee," Kelly said. "It would have cost us more in the long run to hire an interim business manager and look for someone else."

Germany, who has been with District 113A for two years, was set to leave June 30 to begin a new role as chief business manager for Peotone Community School District 207-U. She submitted a letter of resignation on June 19, which the school board has yet to formally accept.

It was unclear after the meeting whether Germany had accepted the counter-offer or whether she is still planning to start her new position in Peotone on Monday. She did not immediately return calls for comment.

District 113A Susan Birkenmaier said she was also unsure whether Germany would stay with District 113A.

"She's a wonderful business manager, and we certainly hope that she decides to continue working with us," Birkenmaier said.

This story will be updated as more details become available.