Here is some news from the early 90s. I like this bit about "unlimited expenses."

Kimbrough's contract included a $ 175,000 annual salary, a $ 25,000 housing allowance, unlimited expenses, and other benefits, including a pension of as much as $ 30,000 a year for life after he turns 65. Kimbrough, 59, served as superintendent for three years.
instructivist | Homepage | 03.25.05 - 4:21 pm | #

Many Superintendents get their expenses "covered," while many classroom teachers have to purchase classroom supplies with their own money.

What irony.
EdWonk | Homepage | 03.25.05 - 7:30 pm | #

Things are all relative I suppose. Here in small town America, most teachers at the top of the scale get talked about the same way by jealous townspeople.

My answer to the public is: You too could go to school and get a Master's, put in about 19 straight years and you too can make what they make. But you chose to go a different route.

When teachers complain about what a superintendent makes (most of them don't even make a third of what you are reporting here) I say the same thing.

You too can go to school and get a doctorate degree in the evenings, work 70 hours a week and roll over at three o'clock AM and wonder if you did the right thing. That's what's great about America. Anyone can make that much if they want to do what those people do.

I for one will stay where I am. A mid-sized midwestern school district and make a third of what these folks make. (With a third of their headaches too.)

Meanwhile, one third of my adminstrators make less per day than their teachers and work more evenings, weekends and holidays.

I'm not always sure why they do what they do, but I'm glad they are willing.

Most teachers conclude their complaints about superintendent wages with the statement, "I wouldn't do what you do for a million dollars."
Super_Blogger | Homepage | 03.25.05 - 9:40 pm | #