By Carol Anders Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Although the Plymouth School Board had hoped to name a new superintendent before spring break, that action has been postponed until the next meeting on April 3.
At its meeting Wednesday night, Board President Todd Samuelson shared information concerning the search. Samuelson said that the board received nine applications. Of those nine, three were invited back for a second interview.
Initial interviews were held last week and second interviews were held this week. The final candidates were given a tour of the schools at that time.

The board began the process of seeking a replacement for retiring Dr. John Hill last fall. Hill’s official retirement was effective in January of this year. The board utilized the services of a university search team to help in securing and reviewing prospective applicants. The team is made up of representatives from Ball State University, Purdue Univer-sity, Indiana University and Indiana State University. The last day for receiving applications was the end of February. According to Samuelson, the search team presented applications to the Plymouth Schools on March 1.
Samuelson said the board was more interested in the quality of applications than the number of applications.
“We’re not the only corporation in the search process,” he said. “We want to make the best decision possible.¯¯¯
In other matters, the board voted unanimously to ratify a two-year agreement with the Plymouth Education Association (PEA). Teachers in the system have been working without a contract since school began in August.
Among other provisions, the teachers will receive a 3 percent increase in the 2007-08 school, year and a 3 percent raise in the 2008-09 school year.
Additional changes concerned increasing the insurance payments for both single and family coverage.
Assistant Superintendent Dan Tyree said those negotiating for the PEA felt that it was getting more and more difficult for families. There was also an increased bereavement leave time for close family members, the establishment of a system for notifying internal transfer requests, the establishment of language for weekly teacher collaboration time and technical changes were made to the contract.
Classified staff salaries and insurance payments will also increase at the same percentage as the teachers.
Tyree said the salary increase for bus drivers will also be at 3 percent. Insurance benefits will increase from a contribution of $3,000 to $3,500.
Board member Larry Pinkerton said he applauded both sides for their help. Samuelson called the process a win-win style. The board also expressed their thanks to Tyree for his role in negotiating the contract and his leadership.