POTSDAM - After working for a year without a contract, principals in the Potsdam Central School District now have a new pact in place through June 30, 2013.

Superintendent Patrick H. Brady explained the contract was made retroactive to the 2011-2012 school year.

The contract gives elementary Principal Larry B. Jenne, middle school Principal Jamie Cruikshank and high school Principal Joann Chambers a 2 percent raise made retroactive to last year and a 2.5 percent raise for the current fiscal year.

On top of that, Mr. Brady said Mr. Jenne and Mr. Cruikshank will also receive a one-time $2,000 stipend to boost their salaries and put them more in line with other principals from around the area.

“Two of the principals, elementary and middle school, whose salaries are in the lower end regionally, this year will receive a $2,000 stipend,” Mr. Brady said.

The superintendent explained he looked at 2011-2012 salary data for principals from six other comparable schools in the region, with Potsdam’s principals having a salary that was below average in each of the comparisons.

At the elementary level the lowest salary they saw was $67,492, although Mr. Brady noted that was for an 11-month position. The highest was $90,021, and the average was $81,742. Mr. Jenne’s was $77,083.

Of the middle school data they reviewed, the lowest salary was $75,381. The highest was $95,132, with the average salary being $84,117. Mr. Cruikshank’s was $75,381.

Even at the high school, where Mrs. Chamber’s did not receive a $2,000 salary boost, her salary was below average when compared to other principals in the region.

The lowest salary they reviewed was $75,000 with the highest being $104,864. The average salary was $89,340, and Ms. Chambers’ was $84,892.

The principals, health insurance contributions will also increase from 10 to 11 percent.

“That’s the biggest of any unit we have,” Mr. Brady said, adding their 11 percent contribution is also the highest of any administrative unit in the BOCES district.

Mr. Brady said the group, which also includes the district’s Committee On Special Education chair, who is in her first year of employment with the district, will pay a combined additional $515 over what they would have paid under the old agreement. He noted two of the members have family plans, one has a shared family plan and one of them is not receiving insurance through the district.

“It’s definitely a fair contract,” Mr. Brady said.

With the new contract Mr. Jenne’s salary for the 2012-2013 year is $82,640. Mr. Cruikshank earns $80,861 and Ms. Chambers earns a salary of $88,755.

The contract also covers CSE Director Jennifer Neaton who will earn 74,500 this year.

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