Schools

The List: Top Salaries for New Jersey School Superintendents

Exemptions and pre-cap contracts make it possible for some superintendents to still take home a sizable chunk of change.

By John Mooney (Courtesy of NJ Spotlight) 

Gov. Chris Christie’s cap on superintendent salaries -- which basically maxed out their top pay at $175,000, the same as the governor's annual take-home -- is approaching the three-year mark. 

While the cap did lead to big cuts in what many New Jersey school districts pay their supers, there remain some outliers who are earning better than top dollar -- either because their contracts were inked before the caps were enacted or because they're exempt from the limits.

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This list of the 10 highest salaries paid to school superintendents in 2012-13 is based on data released this month by the state Department of Education. Salaries do not include bonuses or other non-salary compensation. Superintendents may also be eligible for up to 15 percent bonuses.

1. $264,579 -- Diana Lobosco, Passaic County Technical Institute

County vocational schools were among the few categories not covered by the caps, along with charter schools and special-services districts. Lobosco also serves as superintendent of the Passaic County Educational Services Commission.

Find out what's happening in New Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. $259,574 -- Brad Draeger (retired), Livingston

Draeger retired from the district last year, moving back to Virginia. He was part of an exodus of veteran superintendents who left after the caps were imposed, citing salary limits as at least one factor in their decisions to move on.

Read more at NJSpotlight.com

NJ Spotlight is an issue-driven news website that provides critical insight to New Jersey’s communities and businesses. It is non-partisan, independent, policy-centered and community-minded.


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