Director of Schools Patrick Cripps is safe through 2020 after the board of education granted him a contract extension and a $5,000 raise Thursday evening.

“I love my job,” Cripps told the board during its workshop sessions as members were debating whether to offer a one or two-year contract extension. “I can’t do this job if I don’t have your (the board’s) support.”

The extension came after board members found that Cripps had met most expectations, the seven-members giving him an overall 4.23 out of a possible six. His weakest area, it was noted, was strategic planning although board members admitted that they could also be stronger as a board in that area. It was the only area where he fell below four in the board’s assessment of his performance over the past year. His highest mark was board relationship where he scored a 4.45, closely followed by a 4.48 for personal qualities.

Cripps admitted he was timid about taking the job when it was first offered to him, the opportunity coming somewhat early in his educational career.

“I didn’t want this job so early in my career since I know the lifespan of a director,” Cripps acknowledged to the board, adding his time at the helm of the school system has exceeded his expectations. “These have been my best years.”

The board debated in its workshop session between a one and two year extension of his contract with board chairman Dub Evins pushing for two years. His push was resisted by the rest of the board, most of whom were for a one-year extension. The vote ended up being six for the one year extension with one abstention by Jerry Wayne Johnson. As for the raise, Evins pointed out that Cripps had been offered the extra $5,000 last year but passed on it, instead directing it be used to help fund other areas in the school system.

Cripps told the board the job is challenging and that he appreciated their encouragement in their high assessment of his work. “This job is 24-7,” he said, noting he gets to sleep about four hours a night but has never forgotten his priorities. “It’s God, my family and the job.”

Cripps is now under contract until June 30, 2020. Board members discussed ironing out some extra benchmarks for him to reach over the next year as well as clarifying their own benchmarks as a board.