CAVE CITY — Caverna’s superintendent received a positive evaluation Monday from the board of education.

The board met in special called session to discuss superintendent Sam Dick’s evaluation and were scheduled to meet in closed session to discuss it, but met in open session when challenged.

“Then we will do it in open session,” said board chairman Wayne Hatcher. “It’s no big deal on our part.”

According to Kentucky Revised Statutes, a school board must discuss a superintendent’s evaluation in open session.

School board members were given evaluation forms to take home at the end of the June regular monthly meeting and were to return them during Monday’s meeting.

Two school board members had not completed the evaluation forms, but Hatcher said they could express their opinions on Dick’s performance during the meeting.

“I had two that were submitted to me by board members. One gave all 3s, which exceeds requirements. Performance is exceptional and reflects a high degree of professionalism and accountability. Performance consistently exceeds expectations. In comparison to similar districts, performance is truly above the norm. I had another one that had probably 98 percent 3s and one that were 2s. So, that’s exceptionally good,” Hatcher said.

The board evaluated Dick in community relationships, relationship with the board, business and finance, staff and personnel relationships, educational leadership, student achievement and personal qualities. School board members were asked to rank the superintendent in these areas by assigning numbers one through four, with one meaning he needs to make improvements in an area and three meaning he exceeds requirements. A ranking of four means not applicable in that area or too soon to be rated.

Hatcher asked the school board members if they had any comments to make regarding Dick’s performance.

J.T. Neeley, who was one of two board members who did not submit a completed evaluation form, praised Dick for a job well done.

“Most of the things that Sam does are top of the line,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any question about that.”

Neeley commended the superintendent for alerting the community about things taking place within the school district.

“I think you do an excellent job,” he said.

Hatcher praised Dick for having good community relationships, including with the school board.

“He keeps us informed on issues, needs and operations of the district, and you disseminate information in a timely manner. We always have the information before us. You’re always getting us the information we need. You support policy that we establish. You have a positive working relationship with us,” he said.

The superintendent was present for the evaluation.

Hatcher also said he believes the superintendent sets the morale for the school district and feels Dick has a good working relationship with district personnel.

“They all feel comfortable to come and talk with you and seek your advice and leadership. If you don’t have someone at the top who is on board with what’s in the best interest with our district and our children and our school, it is hard for those under (you) to serve. I’m thankful for your leadership in that regard,” he said.

Overall, Hatcher said the board is pleased with Dick’s performance as superintendent.

Dick thanked them for the positive evaluation. “One of the things I think we’ve accomplished is that we have cohesiveness from the board — my building level leaders and my central office staff,” he said. “One of the things that I can see really, really quick in this job is that it’s all about relationships. If you can maintain an honest and open relationship with those with whom you work, those who are over you as well as those you are under you and ... those who surround you, then you are going to have a ship that sails fairly smoothly.”

Board member Janey Stotts said everybody seems to be happy under Dick’s leadership.

“Years ago, Wayne remembers, there were teachers, administrators, office staff, board members that just were not happy,” she said. “There was always some kind of conflict going on, but it seems now it’s working better than it was. I think that’s the thing I noticed. It just seems like everybody is in a good mood, and they used to not be. And that means a lot to me.”

Dick pointed out that not everything the district tries works, but “there’s nothing we can’t undo if we see it’s not going to go the right way.”

“I think the fact we have become very, very competitive and brought ourselves to the top of the list in (teacher) salaries has helped immensely, because now we are getting a much larger field to choose from so we can look for the best,” Dick said.

Board member Sheldon Ballou told Dick he appreciated his fiscal responsibility.

“So many schools now, I read in the paper, are having to get rid of teachers,” he said, but Caverna, unlike many school districts statewide has retained teachers and has managed to give them a pay increase above the state recommendation. “Without that responsibility there that wouldn’t be happening.”

Dick thanked the school board for giving him the chance to serve as superintendent.

The school board did not discuss Dick’s contract. He is ending his fifth year as superintendent and his contract does not expire until 2012. As for his salary, Hatcher said Dick will receive a 2 percent pay increase, which is the same that all district personnel received.

With the 2 percent pay increase, Dick’s salary for the 2009-10 school year will be $107,188.