Last week Governor Cuomo sounded a wake-up call by stating that
government must be more efficient in cutting the costs of bureaucracy
by reducing backoffice overhead, administration, consultants and
encouraging consolidations.
He introduced the idea of salary caps to superintendents and other
chief academic administrators. The legislation calls for imposing a cap
between $125,000 and $175,000 based on school district size.
Across the Long Island districts alone, the current salaries of
superintendent can be as high as $386,868 (in Syosset). That salary
is more than twice what Governor Cuomo makes ($179,000) and
probably more the three times what a great teacher makes!!!!
Taken in insolation these proposed caps would barely make a dent
in government spending but they do represent a legitmate start
to sound budgeting. Sound budgeting should also include a plan
to reward excellence in teaching and take action against mediocrity.
I truly believe that many of the principles of great management used
in the more profitable corporations could be used in many phases
of state and federal governments. For example, pay for performance
for teachers, a plan to fire teachers who do not meet up to standards
along with many other effficiency, operational and fiscal considerations.
New York State leaders look to close a $9 billion plus deficit and these
new pay limits estimate a $15 million savings in the state budget. Cutting
the Administrators pay to reasonable levels is necessary!!!!!
