Oelke gets positive reviews, extends contract as school superintendent
Ely School Board members gave superintendent Anne Oelke high marks for her performance on the job, and approved a new contract for the district’s top administrator.
Board members voted 5-0 Monday, with Hollee Coombe absent, to approve a new one-year deal that runs through June 30, 2026.
The contract, recommended by the board’s negotiating team, calls for $43,500 in compensation for the superintendent portion of her duties. She also works as the district’s K-12 principal.
The superintendent contract includes no change in pay, with Oelke following suit after school board members also took no pay increase this year - given the district’s ongoing budget struggles (see related story).
Board chair Rochelle Sjoberg noted that the overall increase in cost to the district amounts to $375, all linked to an increase in the district match to a 403(b) retirement plan that raises the district’s annual cap to $9,500.
Also new is a longevity clause that would provide a one-time stipend of $1,000 after three years of service as superintendent, with the longevity pay increased to $2,000 after the fifth year.
“The only stipend is after years of service,” said Sjoberg. “I will note that it is appreciated to pay mind to the budget.”
Sjoberg also presented results of a recent performance review that showed Oelke met expectations set by the board and outlined her work toward three separate goals - providing leadership to maximize the use of school district resources, to increase student achievement and strengthen school/community relationships.
Oelke was lauded for her work to “foster a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. She is committed to monitoring current enrollment, exploring avenues to increase it and carefully tracking expenses.”
Other highlights included praise for leading a recent comprehensive planning effort and communication efforts to engage with families, staff, students and the board.
“Anne maintains a positive and approachable attitude, consistently utilizing her communication skills,” board members noted under the category of areas of strength. “Anne collaborates closely with our legislators to support our district. We appreciate all the hard work put into the district’s strategic plan.”
Under “areas of improvement,” Oelke was asked to “continue to prioritize close collaboration with our business manager on all financial matters,” while noting “the board appreciates the improvements made in the budgeting process over the past year.”
Oelke was also asked to review administrative positions to identify efficiencies and to strengthen her ability to delegate tasks as needed and to ensure staff understands and supports the roles of both the assistant principal and superintendent.”
The district’s administrative configuration has changed numerous times over the last decade-and-ahalf and both in 2023 and 2024.
Oelke took on superintendent duties in 2023-24 in addition to her role then as elementary principal. That decision came after John Klarich retired from his part-time superintendent post here.
Another change, driven by budget considerations, came in 2024-25 with Oelke assuming the principal role for the entire school, and Jeff Carey moving from high school principal to assistant principal for grades K-12.
Oelke worked as elementary principal for several years and had a one-year mentorship arrangement with Klarich before he left the district.
Board members have pressed for more stability in administration after going through a series of changes.
Since mid-2015, the district had three part-time superintendents, with Kevin Abrahamson on board until 2019 and Erik Erie following until his resignation in January, 2022. Klarich, a long-time Iron Range superintendent, came out of retirement to take the reins here and stayed until May 31, 2024.
