By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-955222.mp3
Albany, NY – A money-saving proposal suggested by Governor Andrew Cuomo would cap School Superintendent Salaries across New York: Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports...
Cuomo has been pressing school districts to make do with less money without firing teachers: the governor recently questioned why some superintendent salaries were higher than his own: Cuomo has sent letters of praise whenever school districts announce they have capped, frozen or otherwise better managed expenses. His proposed sliding salary cap would result in pay cuts anywhere between 30 percent to 50 percent - adjustments would be made based on school district size.
Albany Public Schools Superintendent Raymond Colucciello argues higher compensation naturally attracts higher caliber people: Jill Spieler, president of the Scarsdale Board of Education, doesn't understand why Cuomo wants to take away local control. The Governor's office did not return calls for comment. Cuomo's bill requires legislative approval - If it gets the go-ahead the cap would apply once current contracts expire. Robert Reidy, executive director for New York State Council of School Superintendents issued a statement saying Cuomo's proposal "would undermine the capacity of schools to adjust to the new economic realities he says they must face. School systems need strong and resourceful leaders as superintendents now more than ever."