The Lorain City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Dec. 8 to reemploy Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham to the same position, extending his contract through 2028.

Dr. Jeff Graham, the district superintendent, told the board the reappointment would not cost taxpayers additional money because “I will forego my severance until I leave,” and that “my salary will stay the same as it was on the last one” and he will not receive bonuses. He told the board he waived bonuses several years ago.

Board members moved and voted on the resolution after brief discussion about contract language and ensuring the record reflects the waived payments. A roll-call vote recorded Yes from the members present.

The motion formalizes a continuation of Graham’s current employment through the remainder of his current contract period. The superintendent and board framed the reappointment as consistent with continuity of leadership while acknowledging it follows Graham’s previously announced retirement plans.

No additional salary increases or severance payments were included in the approved contract, according to Graham’s statement at the meeting. The board asked staff to ensure the contract wording matches the recorded clarifications before finalizing the document.

The board took the vote during its regular meeting; the organizational meeting and other calendar items were discussed later in the agenda.

Next steps: the board or staff will finalize contract language and publish the executed contract as required by district policy.