A recent report issued by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation found that some of the state’s top school administrators were paid as much as 65 percent more than what was publicly reported. The report shows superintendents and other high-level officials often receive lucrative contracts, report understated expenses, and cash in on hefty compensation packages.
In addition, a national survey conducted in 2003 showed teacher salaries in 500 districts had declined over the previous decade, while school administrators in the same districts experienced significant salary gains.
Are school administrators reaping undeserved benefits—and stealing public funds? Is there an imbalance in the pay earned by teachers and administrators? Are competitive salaries a necessary requirement for districts to atttract high-quality leadership?
