By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia

In his first year as the Peoria Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Darwin Stiffler received a good report card for the 2016-17 school year -- good enough to receive a bonus.

He received a $9,107 incentive for meeting four of six metrics over the year. The metrics include maintaining or increasing AZmerit math scores, maintaining or increasing AZmerit English Language Arts scores, maintaining or increasing the graduation rate, maintaining or increasing the average composite ACT score, meeting with staff at every school and department, and maintaining or increasing the result of the National Center for School Leadership Survey Question.

Dr. Stiffler met the following criteria: maintaining or increasing AZmerit math scores, maintaining or increasing the graduation rate, meeting with staff at every school and department, and maintaining or increasing the result of the National Center for School Leadership Survey Question. The criteria regarding ACT scores was not available at press time. Four metrics were required to receive the incentive.

The Governing Board approved the payment of Dr. Stiffler’s incentive June 8.

Dr. Stiffler started with PUSD July 1, 2016 after serving as superintendent of Yuma School District 1. He is expected to retain his base salary of $171,313.