LEWISTON — Superintendent Jake Langlais recently agreed to a new contract with the School Committee that increases his pay and benefits amid recruitment attempts by other school districts.

In a statement Tuesday, Langlais said “… I have had other districts and other groups seek me out to apply for and work elsewhere.”

He did not specify which districts and educational organizations were reaching out to him but said he knows there are many open superintendent positions in the state.

Nonetheless, he reiterated his commitment to Lewiston schools and said he wants to continue its growth and ensure that stability remains in the school system.

“My heart is in Lewiston,” he said. “I want to be here. I think a key to continuous growth is stability. I am hopeful that we can make great strides with academics, achievements and the outcomes for students.”

Though Langlais’ five-year contract does not expire until June 2027, usually superintendents do not wait until their last contract year to renegotiate unless they intend to move on, he said.

“The decision to renew my contract early reflects the trust and work done over the last five years as superintendent, the eight years of administration and the years of teaching in Lewiston prior,” he said.

In the new contract set to take effect July 1, 2025, and end June 20, 2030, the next contract negotiations will begin no later than the end of the second year of the agreement and will conclude before the third year of the agreement. The new contract will replace the remainder of the current contract.

The termination clause in the new contract requires a minimum 90-day notice before the committee can remove the superintendent after due process, the committee and the superintendent mutually agree on parting or the superintendent resigns.

The biggest changes in the contract are in salary and benefits. The new contract increases Langlais’ yearly salary to $190,000 from the current $169,744. His initial salary in 2022 was $160,000.

Annual salary increases will be based on the percentage change in the consumer price index over the 12-month period ending next May, according to the contract, along with a 2% or 3% increase. Langlais’ current salary is $169,744.

The School Committee agreed to pay Langlais 100% family MEA Blue Cross/Blue Shield Choice Plus or an equivalent insurance plan to be agreed upon by Langlais and the School Committee. That rate is up from 85% in the current contract.

Langlais will also get a supplemental vision plan equal to that of what the teaching staff receives. He will receive a paid long-term disability plan. The School Committee is also paying for a $1 million life insurance plan for him (of his choice), which is up from $500,000 in the current contract.

In the new contract he will receive a one-time payment for college costs of $25,000 within 15 days after the contract is signed. The amount of one-time vacation payout equivalent days increased from 10 days in the current contract to 15 in the new contract.

Langlais called the new contract competitive, stating “some compared (it to) the city administrator role but (Lewiston Public Schools) is far bigger.”

A Lewiston High School alumnus, Langlais said this year there were “337 graduates from (Lewiston High School), 23 Graduates from Adult Education, 25 anticipated for August graduation — If it all plays out the class of 2025 will have 385 graduates with skills ranging from Yale, Harvard, Engineers, Community College, skilled labor in training and more. Go Blue.”

Looking ahead, Langlais hopes to focus on improving graduation rates and ensuring that students are leaving the school with skills needed to be lifelong learners and productive citizens who can read, write and do math, he said.