Jeff Tuka
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central Board of Education ratified a two-year contract Monday, June 22, for incoming Superintendent Jeff Tuka that will pay him a higher base salary than retiring Superintendent Jeff Mount while largely maintaining the benefits associated with the district’s top administrative position.
The contract takes effect July 1, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2028.
Under the agreement, Tuka will receive an annual salary of $140,000 during the 2026-27 school year, about $7,039 more than Mount’s current base salary of $132,961.35.
Mount’s total compensation for the 2025-26 school year is listed at $142,081.86 due to an additional $9,120.51 longevity payment earned through more than 25 years of service with MCC. Tuka will not initially qualify for longevity pay under the district’s longevity schedule.
Beginning July 1, 2027, Tuka’s salary will increase by the same percentage negotiated by the Mason County Central Education Association for teachers.
The contract continues many of the benefits provided to the superintendent position, including medical, dental and vision insurance, long-term disability coverage and a $150,000 term life insurance policy.
Several provisions differ from Mount’s current contract.
Tuka will be eligible for insurance coverage at the full-family level, while Mount’s current contract summary lists two-person coverage.
The new agreement provides 30 vacation days annually but does not allow unused vacation days to accumulate from year to year. Unused vacation days will be paid at the administrator’s per diem rate upon termination, resignation or retirement. Under Mount’s contract, accumulated vacation leave could be carried over up to a maximum of 30 days.
Tuka will receive 16 sick and bereavement days annually, with accumulated days capped at 100. Upon retirement or separation, accumulated sick leave will be paid according to provisions contained in the district’s teachers’ contract.
The contract also expands technology-related reimbursements. Tuka will receive a $1,000 annual cellphone service reimbursement and up to $1,000 every two years for cellphone upgrades.
Like Mount’s contract, the agreement includes a $2,400 annual mileage allowance and up to $3,250 annually in reimbursable expenses, subject to documentation and approval.
Additional benefits include district-paid professional membership dues, professional liability insurance with coverage of at least $5 million, and potential reimbursement for approved professional development and continuing education expenses.
The contract contains an automatic renewal provision authorized under Michigan law. Unless the board provides written notice of nonrenewal before the contract expires, the agreement automatically renews for an additional one-year term.
Mount announced earlier this year that he will retire effective June 30, 2026, after serving 20 years as superintendent and 27 years with MCC. Tuka will assume the superintendent position on July 1, 2026.
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