Iowa City school district superintendent Stephen Murley does paperwork Thursday, July 1, 2010 in his office in Iowa City. (Brian Ray/The Gazette)

The Iowa City school board approved a new contract Tuesday night for Superintendent Stephen Murley.

The board voted 5-1 in support of a new three-year deal, retroactive to July 1, Murley said. Patti Fields cast the dissenting vote and Tuyet Dorau was absent, he said.

The contract increases Murley’s base salary from $187,606 to $192,000 this year. He’d get another $6,000 if he receives his doctoral degree, something Murley has said he is working on.

The contract also gives Murley $25,000 annually toward a supplemental retirement plan, an annual vehicle allowance of $7,150 and an unspecified technology allowance for use of his personal cell phone for district business.

The board’s negotiations with Murley lasted several months longer than is typical. Board members and Murley have not explained exactly why that was.