Dr. Paul Gausman, Superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools, speaks during a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at the district's Educational Service Center. Tuesday, the Lincoln Public Schools district in Lincoln, Nebraska, named Gausman as its next superintendent.
The Lincoln Board of Education approved a three-year contract with incoming Superintendent Paul Gausman on Tuesday under which he would make $324,000 annually.
The contract also establishes a $383,591 total compensation package, which includes the base salary as well as retirement, Social Security and Medicare contributions by Lincoln Public Schools.
Gausman, the superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools in Iowa since 2008 and a native of Fremont, will start July 1.
Tuesday's vote essentially closes the book on a superintendent search process that kicked off last fall when Steve Joel announced his retirement after 11 years at LPS.
The district hired Illinois-based superintendent consulting firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to spearhead the search. The firm's base consulting fee was $42,600, plus $2,500 in travel and advertising expenses.Â
There were no additional significant expenditures for the search. Because LPS officials' travel was limited during the pandemic, the district had an accumulation of unused hotel and airline credits it used to cover the candidates' costs of coming to Lincoln, a spokesperson said. LPS did not reimburse candidates for travel by car.
Between now and July 1, Gausman will be compensated for any time spent working for LPS under a transition agreement the board also approved Tuesday.
LPS will pay a $980 per diem for any day spent working in Lincoln, plus reimbursement for travel, lodging and meals. Gausman would also earn $125 an hour for any remote work.
Gausman is set to make $248,646, part of a $351,999 compensation package, in his final school year in Sioux City, according to the Sioux City Journal. Joel in his final year will make $334,515 as part of a $391,000 salary and benefits package.
Gausman will be the highest-paid superintendent based on salary in Nebraska, ahead of Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl Logan, who will make $313,000 this year.
Lincoln Board of Education member Annie Mumgaard said she didn't have any qualms with the amount the district would pay Gausman, but acknowledged that for many Lincoln residents "it is a hard thing to understand."
"The reality is the work we do is full of very large numbers, but those large numbers pay for very important work and very important expectations," Mumgaard said.
Under its agreement with the new superintendent, LPS will also pay the premium on a $250,000 life insurance policy. Gausman will receive the same amount of paid time off, which includes 24 vacation days annually, as other LPS administrators.Â
Photos: Sioux City superintendent Paul Gausman through the years
Dr. Paul Gausman
Sioux City Community School District's new superintendent, Paul Gausman, standing outside the administrative office building on Pierce Street, Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
Jerry Mennenga, Sioux City Journal
2015 Tri-State Governors' Conference
Paul Gausman, Superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools, left, talks with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, right, as Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, center rear, speaks with an attendee during the 14th Tri-State Governors' Conference held Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The conference, featuring Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, is sponsored by the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
2016 Weight Loss Challenge final
Sioux City Community Schools Superintendent Paul Gausman and Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan, kid around over a King Bing candy bar while posing for a photo Monday, April 25, 2016, at the Sioux City Journal offices in Sioux City, Iowa. The men are part of a group that have joined to challenge each other to lose weight in the new year in combination with a fundraiser for the United Way of Siouxland.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Superintendent Paul Gausman speaks during a welcome back event held for Sioux City Community Schools staff Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at the Long Lines Family Recreation Center. The first day of classes for Sioux City's public schools is Thursday.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Superintendent Paul Gausman leads members of his cabinet in a rap during a welcome back event held for Sioux City Community Schools staff Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at the Long Lines Family Recreation Center. Doing his solo, is John Beck, director of assessment. The first day of classes for Sioux City's public schools is Thursday.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Branstad Bullying Panel
Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman speaks during Gov. Terry Brandstad's Bullying Prevention Listening Tour at West High School in Sioux City, Iowa on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014.
Dawn J. Sagert, Sioux City Journal
Branstad Bullying Panel
Sioux City Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman, center, looks on as Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, left, reacts while speaking with West High student Stephanie Diaz, right, following Reynolds' and Gov. Terry Brandstad's Bullying Prevention Listening Tour at West High School in Sioux City, Iowa on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014. Reynolds met Diaz on a previous visit as she met with STEM students and instructional coaches in 2013.
Dawn J. Sagert, Sioux City Journal
Bryant Elementary First Day
Superintendent Paul Gausman talks with students at Bryant Elementary School in Sioux City, Iowa, Friday, Aug. 23, 2019.
Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal
Bryant Elementary community meeting
Sioux City Schools superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman talks to Jason McCauley and Kerri Bantz during a community meeting at Bryant Elementary School Tuesday, January 28, 2014.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Career Academy expansion
Sioux City (Iowa) Superintendent Paul Gausman (left) talks in 2018 about the school district's plans to convert a former call center into a career academy that now serves 2,000 students.
Sioux City (Iowa) Journal file photo
Dr. Paul Gausman
Sioux City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman speaks about the potential closing of Central High School during a meeting Tuesday, March 31, 2009.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Sioux City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman speaks about the potential closing of Central High School during a meeting Tuesday, March 31, 2009.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Christensen teacher of the year
Sioux City teacher Dewey Christensen reacts as superintendent Paul Gausman speaks in Christensen's classroom Thursday, April 14, 2011. Christensen was named the Sioux City Community Schools' teacher of the year in a surprise ceremony in his East High School classroom Thursday. also shown are Christensen's grandchildren, Anniston Watson, 1, and Caleb Sassman, 9, and Christensen's mother, Erma Christensen.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Gov. Culver speaks in Sioux City concerning John Morrell
Sioux City Community School district superintendent Paul Gausman addresses Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, in the council chambers concerning the closing of the John Morrell plant and how it affects the school district.
Jerry Mennenga, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Sioux City Superintendent Paul Gausman performs on the conga drums during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in 2009.
Sioux City (Iowa) Journal file photo
East Graduation
Sioux City schools Superintendent Paul Gausman embraces his son Trevor Gausman during the East High School graduation ceremony at Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa on Tuesday, May, 26, 2015.
Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Dr. Paul Gausman, Sioux City Community Schools Superintendent, rehearses in preparation for the 50th anniversary concert of the Sioux City rock group The Velaires. Although not a member of the original group, Gausman will sit in on several songs for the concert.
Joanne Fox, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
From left, Gene Ambroson on keyboard, Oscar Ortiz (in black) on rhythm guitar, Dr. Paul Gausman, Sioux City Community Schools Superintendent, Mike King on vocals and bass guitar and Bob Dawdy on lead guitar rehearse in preparation for the 50th anniversary concert of the Sioux City rock group The Velaires. Although not a member of the original group, Gausman will sit in on several songs for the concert.
Joanne Fox, Sioux City Journal
First day of school 2017
Sioux City Superintendent Paul Gausman has traditionally provided breakfast and waved to bus drivers on the first day of each school year.
Sioux City (Iowa) Journal file photo
First day of school 2017
Dr. Paul Gausman, superintendent of the Sioux City Community School District, waves to bus drivers as they leave for their routes early Wednesday morning, Aug, 23, 2017, the first day of classes of the school year. Gausman has provided breakfast and waved to drivers on the first day each year since he was hired in 2008.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Home favorite things Paul Gausman
Some of Sioux city Community Schools Superintendent Paul Gausman's favorite things are shown
Earl Horlyk, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Sioux City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman talks to the team during a welcome home ceremony for the North High girls basketball team Sunday, March 8, 2009.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Martin Luther King Jr. rememberance
Sioux City Community Schools Superintendent Paul Gausman, left, plays conga drums with members of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Consecrated Mass Choir band during Martin Luther King Jr. day activities held Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at East Middle School in Sioux City.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Sioux City Schools Superintendent Paul Gausman plays drums during a rock concert for students at Leeds Elementary Tuesday, March 31, 2009. The concert was a reward for the students who surpassed their reading goal. The 620 students read a total of 280,516 minutes, their goal was 211,250 minutes.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
New teacher training
Teachers listen to a presentation by superintendent Paul Gausman during a training session for new Sioux City Public School teachers held Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at North Middle School.
Tim Hynds Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman
Washington, D.C.-based federal education lawyer David De Schryver (l) Superintendent Paul Gausman and other members of the Sioux City Community School District on the latest congressional activity, specifically on No Child Left Behind.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Paul Gausman
Sioux City schools Superintendent Paul Gausman talks during an interview at his office in Sioux City, Iowa on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016.
Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal
Paul Gausman Editorial Board
Sioux City School Superintendent Paul Gausman speaks about the upcoming Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) tax levy election before the Sioux City Journal Editorial Board at the Journal in Sioux City, Iowa on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.
Dawn J. Sagert, Sioux City Journal
Paul Gausman Editorial Board
Sioux City School Superintendent Paul Gausman speaks about the upcoming Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) tax levy election before the Sioux City Journal Editorial Board at the Journal in Sioux City, Iowa on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.
Dawn J. Sagert, Sioux City Journal
North High science addition
North High School Science Center 4200 Cheyenne Blvd. North High School students, along with Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman, Sioux City Community School District’s Board of Directors, and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce celebrate the 30,000 square-foot science addition at the high school. Sioux City’s three high schools – North, West and East – each received a state-of-the-art science addition made possible through the 1-cent sales tax and community donations.
Photo courtesy Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Paul Gausman
The Sioux City Community School District’s Year 13 program celebrates its new home on the campus of Western Iowa Tech Community College. The program, which was previously at the Central Campus, serves students with mild to moderate mental disabilities, ages 18-21 and focuses on community based instruction in the areas of: adult living, working and leisure situations. The students, Adam Petersen and Molly Murphy, are featured with Dr. Paul Gausman, the district superintendent.
Photo courtesy Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Sioux City School District Administration Offices
Sioux City School District Administration Offices 627 Fourth St., Sioux City Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman is shown cutting the ribbon for the Sioux City Community School District’s Educational Service Center, which moved to downtown Sioux City after more than 70 years at is previous location. The Educational Service Center houses the district’s offices of administration, educational equity, finance, human resources, instruction, and technology; as well as the English as a Second Language and Health Occupations programs for students.
Photo Courtesy of Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
School Board Bryant Elementary
Sioux City School District superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman speaks during a school board work session to view new plans for Bryant Elementary Thursday, January 16, 2014.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
School Board Bryant Elementary
Sioux City School District superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman speaks during a school board work session to view new plans for Bryant Elementary Thursday, January 16, 2014.
Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal
Sioux City schools staff meeting
Dr. Paul Gausman, superintendent of Sioux City Community schools reacts while interviewing Washington Elementary students Ethan, kindergarten, and Isabella, second grade, Ford during a all-district meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at the Long Lines Family Center in Sioux City. The district held the meeting to welcome staff to the start of the 2010-2011 school year.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Sioux City schools staff meeting
Dr. Paul Gausman, superintendent of Sioux City Community schools, hands a Transformers toy to incoming Washington Elementary School kindergarten-student Ethan Ford after interviewing him on stage during a all-district meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at the Long Lines Family center in Sioux City. The district held the meeting to welcome staff to the start of the 2010-2011 school year.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Sioux City schools staff meeting
Dr. Paul Gausman, superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools, speaks during a all-district meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at the Long Lines Family Center in Sioux City. The district held the meeting to welcome staff to the start of the 2010-2011 school year.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
School replacement meeting
Sioux City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman speaks during a public meeting held Monday, May 7, 2012, to discuss options for replacing several Sioux City elementary schools.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
School replacement meeting
Community members listen as Sioux City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman speaks during a meeting held Monday, May 7, 2012, to discuss options for replacing several Sioux City elementary schools.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
School replacement meeting
Clark Elementary School parent Cathi Swan speaks during the public comment portion of a meeting held Monday, May 7, 2012, by the Sioux City Community School District to discuss options for replacing several Sioux City elementary schools. Listening in the background is school superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Sioux City virtual school
Paul Gausman, Superintendent of the Sioux City Community School District, speaks during a news conference in 2021
Sioux City Journal file photo
Sioux City virtual school 1
Paul Gausman, superintendent of the Sioux City Community School District, speaks during a news conference in 2021. Gausman will take over as superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools this summer.Â
Sioux City (Iowa) Journal file photo
Sioux City School Board
Sioux City School superintendent Paul Gausman speaks during a meeting in Sioux City, Iowa on Monday, April 10, 2017.
Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal
Spalding Park School
Incoming first-grader Aubrie Bradstreet, left, reacts as superintendent Paul Gausman, right, tells her that her classroom will be airconditioned during a public tour of Sioux City's Spalding Park Elementary School, 4101 Stone Ave., held Monday, July 30, 2012. The new building is substantially completed and ready for the first day of classes on Aug. 16th.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Spalding Park School
Superintendent Paul Gausman leads a group during a public tour of Sioux City's Spalding Park Elementary School, 4101 Stone Ave., held Monday, July 30, 2012. The new building is substantially completed and ready for the first day of classes on Aug. 16th.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Sunnyside Elementary Blue Ribbon
Paul Gausman, Sioux City schools Superintendent, talks to students before a ceremony at Sunnyside Elementary in Sioux City, Iowa on Tuesday, Sept., 29, 2015. The elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School for overall academic excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.
Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal
Sioux City teacher of the year Jamey Bryce
Leeds Elementary School teacher Jamey Bryce gets a hug from Sioux City Community School District human resources director and former Leeds Elementary principal Rita Vannatta during a surprise assembly at the school Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Bryce, a second-grade teacher at the Sioux City, Iowa, school was named as the Sioux City Community School District's 2015 teacher of the year. At right is school superintendent Paul Gausman.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Walk to school day
Sioux City Community Schools superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman, left, walks to Washington School with students and their families during a walk to school day Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, at the Sioux City school. The walk to school event was held to promote safe routes to school as well as healthy physical activity.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Sioux City West High School Graduation
Dr. Paul Gausman, superintendent of schools for the Sioux City Community School District, lists accomplishments achieved by the graduating class of 2021 from Sioux City West High School during their commencement ceremony at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, Saturday, May 29, 2021.
Jesse Brothers Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman press conference
Paul Gausman, Superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools, speaks during a news conference in February after being named superintendent in Lincoln.
Sioux City Journal file photo
Dr. Paul Gausman press conference
Dr. Paul Gausman, superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools, speaks during a news conference Feb. 23 at the district's Educational Service Center after he was chosen to be Lincoln Public Schools' next superintendent.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal file photo
Dr. Paul Gausman press conference
Dr. Paul Gausman, Superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools, attaches news microphones to his jacket before speaking at a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at the district's Educational Service Center. Tuesday, the Lincoln Public Schools district in Lincoln Nebraska named Gausman as their next superintendent.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Dr. Paul Gausman press conference
Dr. Paul Gausman, Superintendent of Sioux City Community Schools, speaks during a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at the district's Educational Service Center. Tuesday, the Lincoln Public Schools district in Lincoln Nebraska named Gausman as their next superintendent.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @zach_hammack
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