Like the board of any successful business Lincoln's Board of Education wants only the most qualified candidate to run its school district. That's why Dr. Steve Joel could make more than a quarter of a million dollars each year as Lincoln's next superintendent.

"$255 thousand dollars is a lot of money," said Board of Education President Don Mayhew. "But that is a reflection of the responsibilities of the job. The superintendent for Lincoln public schools is essentially the CEO of a $300 million entity that has 7,000 employees, serves 35,000 students and owns and maintains of 60 buildings."

Board members unanimously voted for Joel last Tuesday because of his qualifications and dedication, among other reasons.

"The average tenure of a superintendent in an urban school district is about three to four years," said Mayhew. "I think in Lincoln we've been very lucky. With Dr. Gorley, she will have been here for six years. Before her, Dr. Schoo was here for 19 years. In Lincoln, we've enjoyed a lot of stability in that position. I'm hopeful that Dr. Joel will also be here for many years."

"I don't think it was a sole factor but it was a nice factor to look at," said Ed Zimmer, a Board of Education member. "Joel has put in substantial periods of time in Beatrice for about 8 years in Grand Island for ten years. That continuity is valuable."

The contract for Joel was on the agenda for Tuesday's board meeting for first reading. Over the next few weeks, board members will get feedback from the public and vote on the contract at its March 23 meeting.