Madison School District Superintendent Jennifer Cheatham has “brought a fresh lens to the district” and exceeded the School Board’s expectations, according to her first evaluation by the board.

The work completed in the district under Cheatham is “moving in the right direction,” board members wrote in a seven-page evaluation.

Cheatham was hired in the spring of 2013.

There will be no changes to her pay or benefits associated with the evaluation, according to district spokeswoman Rachel Strauch-Nelson. Cheatham is currently paid $235,000 annually.

Cheatham exceeded expectations in the areas of organizational climate and culture, instructional leadership, talent performance and management and in relations with the Madison community.

“You stepped into the leadership role of an organization experiencing many stresses,” board members wrote. “You did not shy away from taking control and setting direction.”

But board members asked that they be more involved in step-by-step decision-making on big issues — such as the proposed building maintenance referendum and this year’s budget process .

Newsletter