School Supers Draw Big Bucks, Bigger Perks

Turnaround experts find profitable niche in failing school districts
By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 31, 2008 11:52 AM CDT
School Supers Draw Big Bucks, Bigger Perks
Critics of the rise of the "rock star" superindent argue that it's a stop-gap measure that doesn't prioritize children's education.    (Shutterstock)

Teachers aren't living in luxury, but some school superintendents are, the Christian Science Monitor reports. Some are pulling in $325,000 a year, plus multi-million-dollar consulting budgets to restructure impoverished, underperforming public school systems. The Monitor calls them "central office rock stars," a product of the No Child Left Behind initiative and sky-high pressures to balance budgets and politics.

In 1990, school boards typically received 250 applications for a superintendent job; now, 40 is considered a windfall. And because there's so much dirty work involved, urban superintendents have an 18-month shelf life. But many believe the trend doesn't prioritize students' educational needs, and that failing schools are simply "looking for a person on a white horse," one critic said. (Read more education stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X