Board Drafts Letter Opposing Limited Superintendent Compensation

Board of Education President Jack Lyness received unanimous support from the four board members in attendance at Thursday night's meeting to draft a letter opposing legislation proposed by Gov. Chris Christie that would limit superintendent compensation.

Lyness said under Christie's proposed legislation–which would limit compensation for a superintendent in a district of Summit's size to $175,00–the district would lose current Superintendent Dr. Nathan Parker.

Parker, who only joined the district two years ago made $222,560 for the 2009-2010 school year, the third most of any Union County Superintendent, according the Asbury Park Press database DataUniverse. He holds a doctorate from Columbia University and was the 25th highest paid superintendent in New Jersey last year.

Lyness said the reason Parker would be forced to resign is because the reduced salary would interfere with his pension.

"I'm worried about the state interfering more and more on local purview," Lyness said. "This would lower our quality without a reduction in expenses."

While all of the board members agreed on the letter based on the principle of not wanting the state to interfere in local matters, Lyness said he is reluctant to take a stand on an issue like this in this economy.

"It's a little bit ironic," Board member George Lucaci said. "We have no money from the state but they dictate how we spend our money."

Tom O'Rourke, board member and former board president, said this legislation is self-defeating.

"It's one of the poorest pieces of legislation I've ever seen," he said. "It just baffles me."

Summit's size bracket is for districts with more than 3,000 students.

The next highest paid district employee is Dr. Kenneth Schlack, director of human resources, at $168,480 last year. After that is Business Administrator Lou Pepe at $166,400. To access the full database, click here.

"I don't want him to bring us down to the common-denominator," said Board Member Gloria Ron-Fornes.

But Ron-Fornes said the board's letter may not be enough and she encouraged the public to also send letters voicing their opinions.

"I feel very strongly that this is our business," Lyness said, "not theirs."

Dr. Richard Noonan, who recently retired as superintendent in Madison, made $228,662 in 2009-2010. Margaret Dolan, superintendent of the Westfield Public Schools, made $188,553 during that same time frame. Margaret Hayes, superintendent in Scotch Plains-Fanwood made $195,566 and Gayle Carrick made $178,000 in Cranford.