When Gov. Chris Christie unveiled a set of strict salary caps on public school superintendents, he predicted it would make New Jersey “the leader” in a national tide of reform. But within the state, impact on districts will vary widely depending on location, a Star-Ledger analysis shows. Superintendents in northern and central New Jersey are far more likely to face pay cuts than those in the southern counties, according to data provided by the Department of Education. For example, 17 of the 20 Essex County school districts covered by the new rules pay their superintendents more than Christie will permit, and 62 of the 66 Bergen County school chiefs are considered “overpaid,” the analysis shows.
Farther south, salaries have room to grow: Eighteen of the 21 superintendents in Gloucester County, and 17 of the 23 in Atlantic County, make less than the new limits.
Education advocates say that could translate to a disadvantage for North Jersey districts, which have a higher cost of living and must compete against New York-region schools that pay top dollar for superintendents. Full story in Star Ledger.