Pay Raises Slated For School Administrators

By Jeff White

There is a new contract between the Newtown Board of Education and the Newtown Association of School Administrators, which spells an average five percent pay increase for the 2000-2001 school year and a further four percent increase in 2001-2002.

Currently, the high school principal earns $103,015 for the year. Next school year, that salary will be increased to $107,643, and increased further to $111,921 for the 2001-2002 school year.

The middle school principal currently earns $94,950, but will receive a new salary of $101,387 next year, and a salary of $105,361 for the 2001-2002 school year.

Currently, an elementary school principal earns $94,190; the negotiated salary for the 2000-2001 school year was increased to $99,370 and further increased to $103,856 for 2001-2002.

The director of pupil services currently earns $94,190, which will rise to $99,370 next school year and to $103,856 for 2001-2002.

A high school assistant principal currently earns $86,603. That salary will increase to $91,333 next school year, and further to $94,470 in 2001-2002.

A middle school assistant principal currently earns $85,742, which will increase to $90,458 next year and to $93,539 in 2001-2002.

No merit increases were involved in these contract negotiations.

The negotiations were stretched out over several school board executive sessions, and were approved by the board during the September 14 meeting. Both the school board chairperson and the president of the union signed the new contact and sent it to the Town Clerk’s office, where it was required to remain for 30 days.

The Legislative Council, which has the power to reject the contract or remain silent, opted not to move on the topic. The new pay increases will be worked into the school board’s next budget.