Heil to begin with salary of $185K

The Albert Lea school board on Monday approved a three-year contract with the district’s next superintendent, including an annual starting salary of $185,000 for the first year and slight increases in salary the following two years. 

Ashley Mattson, executive director of Human Resources with the district, said Steven Heil is expected to receive almost $187,000 in the 2026-27 school year and about $190,600 in the 2027-28 school year. 

He is slated to begin with the district July 1. 

The board voted unanimously March 31 to offer Heil the position after a search conducted by the Minnesota School Boards Association. Heil is currently the superintendent of St. James Public Schools. 

In addition to his annual salary, the contract states the district will compensate Heil a relocation allowance of $15,000 for purchasing a home within the geographic boundaries of the district, which will be given out over the three years. To be eligible, he has to purchase a home within the district by Dec. 31 and live there full time.

Board Chairman Dave Klatt said this allowance is in place to encourage Heil to be in the district for the full three years. Under the contract, the stipend will be paid as follows: $2,500 for the 2025-26 school year, $2,500 for the 2026-27 school year and $10,000 for the 2027-28 year.

Mattson said Heil will also receive 25 vacation days annually with the opportunity to roll those over to the following contract year and use them the first six months of that year. He will be entitled to 12 paid holidays, 20 sick days at the start of the contract with 12 additional days upon each subsequent year. 

In addition, he will receive a life insurance plan for $500,000 and a $100 a month stipend for technology tools. He will also be eligible to participate in a tax-sheltered annuity plan with the district matching up to $6,500 per year in contributions. 

Klatt said Heil surprised him and staff and came in-person for the contract negotiations on Tuesday, the day after the superintendent interviews. He also hopes to be in the district other times before he begins in July and will work with interim Superintendent David Krenz on the transition.

Klatt noted that Heil’s total compensation package will be less than the prior superintendent.