Schools

Montville Superintendent: Christie Salary Cap Plan Could Cause Instability

Fried responds to the governor's proposed cap on superintendent wages.

Gov. Chris Christie recently unveiled a proposal to cap and reform school administrator's salaries, a move that current Montville school district superintendent Dr. Paul Fried says could lead instability in schools.

"Strong collaborative leadership is needed at the highest level of any administration," he said. "This kind of action by the governor might cause people to think twice about taking on leadership roles."

Fried, who began his tenure as superintendent on July 1, says that, given his background in the New York school system, he is still navigating the ins and outs of the state's policies. Still, he feels that the governor's proposal could potentially cause harm to school districts.

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"People may choose to leave the state or retire at a time when superintendents need to be maintaining their positions," he said. "If you are at the highest percent of a position and there is not much financial incentive to continue to work, a lot of superintendents that could stabilize districts may say 'It's not worth it for me to continue.'"

According to a release, the governor's proposal would result in a salary reduction for 366 school superintendents over the next year by setting a wage cap based on the number of students enrolled in a district. The proposal could save the state $9.8 million dollars.

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

Montville's previous full-time superintendent, Gary R Bowen, received a salary of $198,600, $23,000 higher than the maximum allowed under the new proposal.

According to the state department of education, the Montville district had a total student enrollment of 3,340 in 2009. Under the Christie proposal, Fried's salary would max out at $175,000.

"While families and school districts across the state cope with fewer resources and continued fiscal challenges, many school administrators continue to receive salaries that are out of proportion with the private sector and current economic realities." Christie said in a statement. "This cap will limit excessive administrator pay and ensure that more dollars are available for our children. It is our responsibility, in state government and at the local level, to act in every possible way to ensure that as many education dollars remain in the classroom as possible."

Since his arrival, Fried has maintained that his focus as superintendent will be on stability, citing the various interim positions within the school district.

"I do this work because I believe in it, but I believe leadership is crucial," he said. "This kind of action from the governor is going to cause instability."


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