Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to cap the annual salaries of school district superintendents and if his proposal goes through, one Genesee County superintendent could see a nearly $90,000 cut in pay.
Under the cap plan, all of the other county superintendents are earning less than what Gov. Cuomo's plan says they could earn.
Currently, the highest paid school superintendent in the county is Pembroke's Gary Mix. He earns $232,307 per year.
For a school district the size of Pembroke's, according to Cuomo, Mix's pay should be capped at $145,000.
WBTA's Geoff Redick spoke with Mix.
"I understand that the governor is politically ambitious," says Mix. "He's picked a group of people -- the 700 superintendents in New York -- that in many communities, particularly in small communities, they can often be among the more highly compensated people in the community."
Mix says he grew up the oldest of eight children. His father was a postal worker who also took many odd jobs to support his large family.
So, "I understand the feelings about other people's compensation and benefits," says Mix. "(But) education is crucial, it's important. I hope we truly value it."
On the other end of the spectrum, Elba's Jerome Piwko might want to ask for a raise. He's making only $81,120. While Elba's student population is a rather small 494, Cuomo's plan says Piwko could have his pay capped at $135,000.
That puts Piwko's pay nearly $55,000 under Cuomo's proposed pay scale. That's the largest disparity between Cuomo's cap proposal and what a current Genesee county superintendent is earning.
For the rest of Geoff's story, click here.
No cojones. I guess Paladino
No cojones. I guess Paladino got that one right. Lets see, Governor Walker of Wisconsin takes on the public employee unions, in the name of real reform. Here in the Socialist State of New York, our governor targets a small handful of individuals who actually have no impact on state finances. Will Cuomo target the teacher's union at some point? Sure. On the day that a monkey crawls out of his butt. This is just his super-lame answer to his school aid cuts that target rural areas (which are by no means his political base). So, let me get this straight. Large suburban school districts can attract the best leaders for their districts, and we get what's left. Right. I thought that it was up to individual school boards to allocate their budgets as they see fit, in the ways that best benefit the students. That's why we elect a school board. And I have to say that I am pleased with how our Pembroke school district board has chosen to spend my tax dollars.
Whine and complain there much
Whine and complain there much Scott? Seems to me we have to start somewhere. A General with a goal to acomplish does not commit his whole army in the first engagement. There are steps.... seems to me that almost a 1/4 million a year for a district like Pembroke is a bit much...
How does it compare to the city superintendents around us? I guess no matter what steps forward are taken someone is always gonna complain it isnt enough.
I live in the Pembroke
I live in the Pembroke District as well. I've never been unhappy with taxes, teachers, the level of education, etc., HOWEVER is any school district employee worth over $200,000? Come on now ... let's get a grip.
Well, I have to say I am glad
Well, I have to say I am glad to see this posted for our community to read. I agree that it should not be determined by the governor but I do think the public needs to be more active in challenging the board of ed. I am very "pro education and pro teacher" and I get frustrated hearing about cuts to teachers and student activities. Seeing a salary that is so grossly out of proportion is an insult to the tax payers of Pembroke. Great things are going on in Pembroke, but last time I checked, Mix isn't the one motivating/ teaching /inspiring those kids.
The district/ board of ed should be ashamed and cut that salary and save the multiple jobs that will be lost this year.
Mark, not defending Mr. Mix's
Mark, not defending Mr. Mix's salary, but without great leaders, great things don't get done, so I find "Mix isn't the one motivating/ teaching /inspiring those kids," to miss the mark. Great leaders hire great managers who hire great staff and keep them motivated. In any organization, success or failure comes down to the leader.
As much as I would like to
As much as I would like to agree with you I can't on this one. I have a family memberwho works in Pembroke. Mix does not have a magic wand, any superintendent can hire good teachers and from that point on, it is the teachers that make the difference for those kids. The staff knows how much he makes and is furious that it hasn't been kept in check. Genesee county teachers, Pembroke included, are among the lowest paid in NY. Why then do we have an administrator as one of the top paid in NY?
I am sure Mix works hard, but so do thousands of other people in Genesee county. Most of which will never see a salary over $100000, no less the rediculous income he makes. He is not the driving force behind the district, it is the teachers plain and simple.