The Board of Education, citing policy over precedent, has postponed a decision on whether to extend the contract of school superintendent Deborah Wheeler by one year.

Board members on Wednesday discussed a proposal to extend Wheeler's current three-year contract through 2012-11. She is in the second year of a deal paying her $144,200 this year and $154,294 in 2011-12.

Despite a written policy recommending superintendent's contracts not be extended until near the end of their second year, the school board has rewarded extensions earlier. The school board prefers to have its superintendent working under an ongoing three-year contract, according to board Chairman James Katzin. Under state law, a three-year contract is the longest the board can offer.

Katzin proposed a one-year extension at a salary that would be determined in the spring of 2012. He cited a favorable review of Wheeler's performance since her start on the job in April 2009.

It was board member Wayne Shuhi who brought up the board's policy. Under the policy, Wheeler could not be offered an extension until the spring of 2011. She'd prefer to ink the extension this year.

"I have made it clear that I'm committed to the district and I need to know the district is committed to me," Wheeler said.

Board member Donald Falcetti said he too favors waiting until next spring to consider an extension, while board member John Noone sided with Katzin in recommending an extension.

The board is expected to consider the matter at its next meeting, on Aug. 25.

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