RUMFORD – The SAD 43 board on Monday night extended Superintendent Jim Hodgkin’s contract for one year and raised his salary to match the state average.

Hodgkin, hired in August 2003, has been contracted through June 30, 2007. His salary for 2005-2006 was set at $86,000, and for 2006-2007 at $90,000. He was hired at a salary of $78,000.

He said Wednesday afternoon that these substantial raises are likely a one-time occurrence, to keep the salary in line with statewide averages.

“As long as I’m here, we’ll look at normal raises of 2 to 4 percent in the future,” he said. He said he feels positive about his first 1 years in the district.

“People feel the climate of the district has improved and that they are informed,” he said. “I’ve been pleased that teachers have come to the board to speak freely without fear of ramifications.”

He said he will continue with his open-door policy, which he believes allows greater communication between administration and staff. Hodgkin came to SAD 43 from Monmouth Middle School, where he had served as principal.