What the BCPSS bosses make
As everyone following developments in the Baltimore school system knows, there have been several high-profile administrative appointments lately (in addition to departures). In the hours immediately after many of these appointment announcements, as I've scrambled to compile a story on deadline, I've been unable to find out how much money the administrators will make in their new jobs. So a few weeks ago, I filed a request with the school system for the salaries I've not yet reported. I have them in hand now and will list them below, for the record.
And for the record, I'm not making a judgment one way or the other about whether these people are overpaid (that, dear readers, is for you to debate). On one hand, the school system is facing a $50 million budget shortfall for next year. On the other, Dr. Alonso needs to be surrounded by good people if he's going to have a chance of succeeding at reform, and top tier administrators in surrounding districts make comparably high salaries. Keep in mind also that a lot of administrative positions are being eliminated at the same time as the promotions and new hires.
Without further adue...
Gen. Bennie E. Williams, chief of staff to Andres Alonso: $168,945
Mary Minter, chief academic officer: $168,945
JoAnne Koehler, human resources officer: $168,945
Michael Sarbanes, executive director of partnerships, communications and community engagement (starting Feb. 19): $140,000
Irma Johnson, executive director of elementary and elementary/middle schools: $140,000
Roger Shaw, executive director of secondary schools: $140,000
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
Their value is only as good as their results. The question I suppose is whether or not we're getting a million dollars' worth of positive outcome (or at least on track for it).
Posted by: steegness | January 18, 2008 12:10 PM
This only makes sense if you are able to compare them to their predecessors. Two of these are new positions but I guess there is an overall cost savings with the "retiring
" of the AAOs.
Posted by: OverTheTop | January 20, 2008 12:55 PM
Compared to US median income ranges, these seem very high. However, looking at the individuals' qualifications, their salaries could be significantly higher in the private sector. Alonso, a double Harvard graduate alum... Sarbanes, an NYU law alum and former executive director of a substantial non-profit... these resumes could afford to draw a much higher salary elsewhere. I mentioned it before, but a 1st year out of law school has the potential to make upwards of $200,000 with bonuses that very first year. Consultants and ibankers can range even higher (not including recent downturns in the economy). I think these salaries are more than fair and are likely too low to be competitive - there is clearly something more than salary at work to keep them invested.
Also, if 1 $140,000 employee replaces 4 $90,000 employees, there's still a SAVINGS of $200,000 a year. I'm very ok with that formula.
Posted by: Bill | January 20, 2008 1:20 PM