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The Suffolk Public School board voted on July 11, following a five-hour closed session, in favor of Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III’s 4-year contract renewal and 5% salary increase. 

According to the addendum, effective July 1, Gordon’s base salary will move to $245,700 annually, with an annual annuity of $22,050 and an automobile allowance of $10,496.

Board members Dr. DawnMarie Brittingham and Kimberly Slingluff opposed the renewal. However, the salary increase was approved unanimously.

Also approved as part of the contract discussion was a 2-year payout should Gordon be terminated without cause, which passed 5-1, with Slingluff in opposition, and for Gordon to cash out any unused vacation days at the end of the fiscal year, Brittingham and Slingluff voted in opposition of the motion.

Should Gordon seek other employment, he is obligated to inform only the board chair. The motion passed 5-1, with Brittingham the lone opposition.

Board member Tyron Riddick was absent from the vote after excusing himself before the second closed session because he had to be at his job in two hours — the closed session lasted over five hours. Riddick motioned to postpone the closed session due to the length of the meeting and his other obligations, but that motion failed.