School Superintendents Should Follow Her Example
Mindful of the bad economy, the Whitnall School Superintendent has taken a voluntary pay freeze.
Ah, if only other generously-paid school superintendents were as considerate, caring, and willing to set such a commendable leadership example in their districts.
Take, for example, Superintendent Paul Kreutzer of the New Berlin School District.
The New Berlin School Board hired Superintendent Kreutzer in 2007 at the handsome salary of $153,777. He was signed to a two-year contract.
According to the contract, Dr. Kreutzer’s base salary from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 shall not exceed $153,777 and his total salary-benefits package shall not exceed $185,000.
But a few months ago, the so-called “conservative” school board amended the contract to give Dr. Kreutzer more pay. In that new contract dated March 23, 2009, Dr. Kreutzer’s base salary from March 10, 2009 through June 30, 2009 is adjusted to $160,552. His total salary and benefits package from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 shall not exceed $193,000.
Hmmm. Do the math. The difference between $193,000 and $185,000 is $8,000.
That’s not all. The new contract (March 23, 2009) specifies that Dr. Kreutzer’s base salary from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 shall not exceed $166,089. The total salary-benefits package for that period shall not exceed $201,000.
$201,000 Yikes!
So, in the original contract, Dr. Kreutzer’s salary and benefits package through June 30, 2009 was not to exceed $185,000. It will jump to $201,000 for July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 with the contract recently negotiated and approved by the Board in March. That’s a difference of $16,000.
Of course, Dr. Kreutzer could opt to decline any of these financial compensation hikes and take a voluntary pay freeze instead (freezing his salary at $153,777 and total compensation package at $185,000 levels). But will he?
Wouldn’t such action by already well-paid school superintendents demonstrate genuine concern for others, including taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulties, such as reduced income, decreases in wages and benefits, or loss of jobs due to the economic slump?
