ANDOVER — At the same time Superintendent Claudia Bach is receiving a one-year contract extension, two members of the School Committee are saying it is nearing time for her to move on.

Bach, 65, also is receiving a $5,000 pay increase to $162,000 to lead the town's public schools for a 12th consecutive year.

Bach agreed to the terms Jan. 6, the same day the agreement was announced by the School Committee.

Previously, on Sept. 23, the committee voted 3-2 to grant the one-year extension, which expires in June 2010.

Voting against the contract extension at that time were members Dennis Forgue and Tony James, who both yesterday said they felt a change in leadership is needed.

"The school system has benefited from Dr. Bach's leadership for 11 years," said Forgue. "But I think in all organizations it does come time for a change."

James expressed a similar opinion.

"There comes a time in any organization that in order to move to the next level, new leadership is required," he said. "I believe that now is the time for that change."

However, both stressed they support Bach and voted in favor of the pay increase.

Bach will receive 3.5 percent salary and 2.5 percent longevity increases under the contract, boosting her yearly compensation from $156,000 to $162,100.

She also receives a benefit package valued at $28,237, including a travel allowance, pre-tax pension contribution, disability insurance and life insurance.

School Committee Chairwoman Deb Silberstein said Bach has provided the school district with consistent leadership over her 11 years in Andover.

She pointed to the district's impressive test scores and high number of college placements as proof of Bach's success, and said the superintendent successfully replaced a number of retiring principals in recent years with quality administrators.

"These are critical factors that move a school system forward," Silberstein said.

Bach had been working under a one-year agreement signed in October 2007.

She said she hasn't given much thought as to whether she'll retire after the new agreement expires, but said continuity in leadership will prove valuable for the School Department heading into a budget year marked by a difficult economic climate.

"That certainly is in my mind, too," said Bach. "I think this year is going to be particularly difficult."

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