MADISON – Dr. Dee Fowler will remain superintendent of Madison City Schools through June 2018.

At its Sept. 30 meeting, the Madison Board of Education unanimously approved Fowler’s new contract. His previous contract would have ended June 30, 2016. Board chairman Ray White recommended the two-year contract extension.

Currently, Fowler is paid $173,910 in annual salary. In addition, he receives two-percent annual pay increases in July.

White said the extension reflects a solid vote of confidence from the board and solidifies Dr. Fowler’s commitment to remain as superintendent as the school district continues its path of moving beyond traditional school.

According to White, Fowler chiefly has been instrumental in the district’s success, both in “leadership and vision and being a great ambassador for the district.”

In accepting his new contract, Fowler acknowledged the staff, board and community as partners. “I love my job, and I love Madison City Schools,” Fowler said.

Fowler told the board he hopes his legacy will be “that guy that was superintendent of Madison City Schools,” similar to his title as “Marcia’s husband” when he married Marcia Richardson and as “James’s father” when their son was born.

Board member Dr. Terri Johnson was pleased with the meeting’s “good news, from our partnership with the military education coalition to very solid ACT Aspire scores, to advanced-placement incentives for our high school students.”

However, “the best news for our district is that Dr. Fowler has agreed to extend his contract with us,” Johnson said.

Board members Ranae Bartlett, David Hergenroeder and Connie Spears also endorsed Fowler.

Before accepting the superintendent position in 2007, Fowler worked as assistant superintendent when Dr. Henry Clark was named charter superintendent for the new Madison school district.

Fowler also was principal at Liberty middle and West Madison elementary schools and coached basketball for Madison County Schools. He has worked in the field of education for about 40 years.