Fresh off of voters approving a $158.5 million bond issue in Lake Travis ISD, district trustees unanimously approved the contract for new superintendent Brad Lancaster on Thursday. “Our search firm did a wonderful job of attracting and recruiting some of the best superintendent candidates in the state, and without a doubt, we found a leader of the highest professional caliber and utmost character in Dr. Lancaster,” said Jason Buddin, LTISD board president in a news release. “He brings to us an impressive and proven record of leadership outcomes and community involvement. We have much to celebrate—and yet much to do at LTISD. We firmly believe that Dr. Lancaster will continue to propel our students and staff to the highest levels of performance and success.” Lancaster, who has been the superintendent at Midway ISD, will earn a salary of $250,000 when he begins his duties January 2, 2012. He also will receive a $15,000 relocation package to move his family Lake Travis from the school district in McLennan County. He will receive a hefty jump in pay as the top administrator of the fast-growing and wealthy Lake Travis ISD. Lancaster made $196,370 at Midway ISD in 2011, according the Texas Budget Source salary database.

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What follows are some of the other key contract details: • A raise in January 2013 that equals the percentage increase of classroom teachers unless he elects not to receive it. • $850 a month for an automobile allowance. • District pays the premium for Lancaster and his family under one of the district’s group health care plans. • Life insurance policy of $1 million. • Disability insurance that provides coverage for 60 percent of the superintendent’s salary up to age 67. • An annual contribution of $10,265, or the yearly maximum amount the district can contribute to Lancaster’s 403(b). • Actual and incidental business expenses outside of Region 13 Educational Service Center area that include airline tickets, lodging, meals, mileage, rental car and other expenses incurred. • A salary supplement equal to the superintendent’s portion of the monthly contribution to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. • The district will provide the superintendent with a cell phone and/or personal digital assistant, a laptop and printer, and a wireless router for his business and personal use. Lancaster succeeds former Superintendent Rocky Kirk who left the district in July. The board of trustees bought him out for $77,000 after he earned $272,000 in the 2010-11 school year. Trustees did not explain the reason for Kirk’s buyout.