It’s official: Darren Douthitt’s contract has been given the seal of approval by the Butler County Board of Education.

In a special called meeting Wednesday night, the board (minus president Billy Jones, who is working out of town) unanimously approved the new superintendent’s contract of employment.

The contract becomes effective May 4, 2010 and ends May 3, 2014.

According to the terms of the contract, Douthitt’s compensation will include an annual salary of $130,000.

The following fringe benefits are also part of his contract:

*Medical insurance – The board will pay the superintendent’s premiums for individual employee coverage and for family coverage in terms of major medical coverage under said policies. Optional coverage will be Douthitt’s responsibility.

*Moving expenses – The board will reimburse superintendent for moving/temporary housing expenses, as allowed as deductions by the Internal Revenue Service, the sum of $5,000, for his move to Butler County. He will be required to submit vouchers and reimbursement requests as are required under the current board policy for other reimbursable expenses.

*Vacation – The superintendent will receive the same vacation, holidays, sick leave and personal leave days as are awarded to other professional personnel.

*Professional dues – The board will pay up to $1,500 per year for the actual and reasonable cost for professional expenses, such as dues, journals and other materials, of the superintendent. Submission of vouchers and reimbursement receipts will be required.

*Travel expenses – The board will reimburse the superintendent up to $2,500 a year for actual and reasonable travel expenses, as defined by State law and regulation. Such expenses will be paid from Title I, federal expenses. In the event these funds are not available, the expenses will be paid from local funds. Submission of vouchers and reimbursement receipts will be required. Appropriate expenses for state-mandated meetings and in-district travel won’t be charge against the above sum.

The contract also stipulates the superintendent will not be entitled to tenure status in his position.

In a phone interview earlier in the week, Douthitt said he planned to start in early May and is now looking into finding a rental home in the Greenville area.