This article was written by BenitoLink intern Kinsey Canez. This article was updated to correct contract for Cabrillo College President/Superintendent Matthew Wetstein. Last update was July 14 at 10:54 a.m.
Almost two months after the Gavilan Joint Community College District Board of Trustees selected Pedro Avila as its next superintendent/president, his employment contract will be considered at an in-person regular board meeting at the school’s Gilroy campus on July 12 at 7 p.m.
According to the meeting agenda, the trustees will also vote to officially hire Avila.
Avila’s contract, available for public viewing on the meeting agenda, includes an annual salary of $285,000 for a three-year term. His salary will be evaluated annually in June to “determine whether the base salary should be increased.”
The district will be paying up to $300,000 into his life insurance policy. In addition, the contract contains a monthly allowance of $1,200 for “actual and necessary travel expenses,” and he will not be required to show proof of any travel expenses that are accrued.
He will also receive a monthly stipend of $50 for cell phone usage, as well as a one-time stipend of $10,000 for relocation expenses.
Hartnell Community College Superintendent Michael Gutierrez receives an annual salary of $316,000 and a monthly allowance of $85 for cell phone usage, according to his contract. He was hired earlier this year.
At Cabrillo College, the base salary for Superintendent Matthew Wetstein is $252,420. The contract includes a $578 monthly car allowance, a $788 monthly district expense allowance and an annual stipends of $3,977 for his doctorate degree. The district also provides a $500,000 life insurance policy. His contract was updated March 2021.
Serving as a full-time employee with a 12-month work year, Avila will receive 24 paid vacation days exclusive of holidays. If these days are not used, they can rollover into the following fiscal year.
Prior to his selection, Avila was the vice president and assistant superintendent for Santa Rosa Junior College.
In a statement from Gavilan Governing Board President Edwin Diaz after Avila was announced the top candidate in May, he said, “From the beginning our governing board has been committed to providing continuity leadership for the college. We are excited to select Dr. Pedro Avila.”
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