Gov. Christie proposes superintendent salary cuts, merit-based bonuses
Published: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 1:49 PM Updated: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 1:58 PM
Gov. Chris Christie and State Education Commissioner Bret Schundler (right) visit an elementary school in this file photo.SPOTSWOOD — Gov. Chris Christie today said he wants to limit pay for school superintendents based on district size, cutting back salaries for those who already make more than the max, and introduce merit-based bonuses.
The proposal would mean pay cuts for 366 superintendents at the end of their contracts, saving the state $9.8 million, the governor said.
“While families and school districts across the state cope with fewer resources and continued fiscal challenges, many school administrators continue to receive salaries that are out of proportion with the private sector and current economic realities," Christie said in a statement. "This cap will limit excessive administrator pay and ensure that more dollars are available for our children.”
Christie unveiled the limits in Spotswood, where he commended administrators for accepting a wage freeze.
The proposal would mean pay cuts for 366 superintendents at the end of their contracts, saving the state $9.8 million, the governor said.
“While families and school districts across the state cope with fewer resources and continued fiscal challenges, many school administrators continue to receive salaries that are out of proportion with the private sector and current economic realities," Christie said in a statement. "This cap will limit excessive administrator pay and ensure that more dollars are available for our children.”
Christie unveiled the limits in Spotswood, where he commended administrators for accepting a wage freeze.
Pay for superintendents would be pegged to the number of students in a district, from $120,000 for the smallest districts up to more than $175,000 in the 16 districts with more than 10,000 students.
Bonuses for "significant, state-defined improvements in student learning" would be offered, but would not count toward a superintendent's pension.
Christie made teacher pay a major issue throughout the spring, urging residents to vote down
N.J. students meet first African-American space walker at NJIT
By Eric Goodman/The Star-Ledger
July 14, 2010, 6:00PM
NEWARK — When middle school students gathered at New Jersey Institute of Technology today to meet first ever African-American space-walker, Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., they asked some very important questions about gravity, temperature, space travel and one more practical question. "What is it like to go to the bathroom in space?" asked a camper. Harris, apparently used to such... Full story »
Political wrangling stalls N.J. school voucher bill
By The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk
July 14, 2010, 1:14PM
TRENTON — Political wrangling has stalled passage of a bill that would provide New Jersey’s first school vouchers program, according to a report on NJSpotlight.com. The Opportunity Scholarship Act, co-sponsored by Sens. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) and Thomas Kean Jr. (R-Union) would make vouchers of $6,000 to $9,000 available to 20,000 low-income students in low-performing schools so they can attend... Full story »
Galloway officials oppose Richard Stockton College's pending purchase of Seaview resort
By The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk
July 14, 2010, 8:33AM
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — Town officials announced opposition to Richard Stockton College’s pending purchase of Seaview- a Dolce Resort on Tuesday night, according to a report in the Press of Atlantic City. If purchased, the hotel could potentially be used as a housing and training site for students in the school’s hospitality program. But officials cited in the report worry... Full story »