The Buckeye Union High School District's governing board approved a new three-year contract Monday for school district Supt. Dr. Steve Bebee, extending his leadership tenure as the district continues to navigate growth and long-term planning.
The approval comes as Bebee nears retirement eligibility through the Arizona State Retirement System’s Early Separation Incentive program.
According to Bebee, he is in the second year of his existing three-year agreement. Under the previous contract structure, the final year would have allowed him to return for one year after retirement.
Instead, the newly approved agreement replaces the final year of the existing contract and extends his term for an additional three years.
During discussions surrounding the contract, Bebee indicated he is not yet ready to retire and wants to continue leading the district through its next phase of development and operations.
Arizona statute allows superintendents to renegotiate their contracts once each year within 15 months of the agreement’s expiration, making the board’s action compliant with state requirements.
Board members ultimately voted to approve the superintendent’s new contract, thanking him for his desire to return and securing continuity in district leadership for the foreseeable future.
