June 29, 2007 - The Camden schools are under state watch and perilously close to a state takeover. They are operating at a $9.5 million deficit and they eliminated 190 teaching positions. The governor vetoed a pay raise for the last superintendent who made $185,000. (The board bought out Knox's contract with a $199,00 settlement after learning that she received $17,500 in bonuses without board approval or knowledge.)
But Camden has hired a new superintendent - from Philadelphia schools - and will be paying her $220,000 a year.
Last year, the average annual salary for superintendents nationally was $116,000, but nearly $185,000 for those working in larger districts, according to the American Association of School Administrators. In the region, the averages were $155,039 in Pennsylvania and $123,660 in New Jersey, according to data from education departments in both states.TT - Link to a list of Philadelphia City schools in need of improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act. It's a total of 125 schools.The highest salary in the region this year went to Paul Vallas, the departing Philadelphia schools chief executive officer who was paid $250,000.
In Camden 23 of 31 public schools are on a list of schools needing improvement. $15,399 per pupil cost.
Total of 5 high schools; a 6, 4, two 1s and one not rated.
Total of 10 Middle schools; only 2 rate a 2, the rest rate 1.
Total of 21 Elementary schools. 7 rate 2, the rest rate 1.
Source:Great Schools.com
