An analysis released on Apr. 14 finds that the highest paid superintendents in large school districts across Monmouth and Ocean counties provide a better deal for taxpayers than some leaders of smaller districts. The findings come after years of criticism from politicians and media about superintendent salaries and benefits.
The topic is important as it addresses concerns about how public funds are spent on education leadership, especially amid ongoing debates over efficiency and consolidation within New Jersey’s school systems. Some superintendents receive bonuses, car allowances, or other perks, such as a $6,000 payment to one Monmouth County leader for bringing his family’s comfort dog into schools.
Marc Pfeiffer, an expert in local government at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, said schools often lack incentives to consolidate unless financial pressures arise. “Every parent wants class sizes as small as possible,” Pfeiffer said. “Most schools will not increase class sizes unless there’s a problem.” He added: “There has to be a crisis for that to happen. So a lot of schools, if their enrollments were dropping, didn’t do anything.”
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy is part of Rutgers University according to its official website. The school focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable and healthy communities at multiple levels according to the official website.
The Bloustein School has received national recognition for its programs; its graduate urban planning program ranks third nationally while its undergraduate public health program ranks fourth according to the official website. The institution also advances social impact through research centers dedicated to community development, transportation policy, health initiatives, workforce development and energy policy according to the official website.
Stuart Shapiro became dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy in 2023 according to the official website. The school recognizes distinguished alumni through its Hall of Fame established in 2013 along with annual achievement awards dating back to 1994 according to the official website.