MUSD superintendent stays the course after review

Maricopa Unified School District’s superintendent was reviewed Wednesday night and she walked away with the same goals to enhance student learning.

Tracey Lopeman went into closed-door session with school district governing board members for her review, details of which are typically withheld because it is a personnel matter exempted under Arizona’s Open Meetings Law.

Lopeman’s compensation remains part of her contract, which last year was extended to 2026.

“Dr. Lopeman did not receive a performance-related raise during the review,” school district spokesperson Mishell Terry said. “Dr. Lopeman’s current compensation was established during her contract renegotiation last year.”

Lopeman oversees a district of nearly 9,000 students.

Her review comes at a time when there are only about 10 vacancies among 471 teachers on staff at MUSD, school officials have said.

That’s just more than a 2% rate of teacher vacancies, compared to a 30% teacher vacancy rate around the state.

The governing board is required by state law to include performance pay as part of Lopeman’s compensation package.

School officials report that Lopeman’s base salary is now at $184,874.60 a year with a car allowance of $10,800 and a built-in compensation of $9,243.73 in performance pay, plus a discretionary stipend of $5,000. She also receives an annuity of $20,000, health insurance compensation of $6,284.52 and short-term disability coverage of $640.80.

Terry said Lopeman’s overarching district goals established as part of the district’s strategic plan will continue to guide her work.

They are:

• Every student graduates prepared to create, innovate, lead and succeed.
• Every student has access to and equity in excellent educational services, resources and programs.
• An organizational culture that prioritizes people over programs and invests in the support of students and staff.
• Community pride through excellent customer service, sound business practices, open and effective communication, and safe and attractive facilities.