A recent letter to the editor criticized the salary posted for a new superintendent in Auburn as too high and contrary to standard practice among school districts.

In truth, however, new superintendents nearly always have higher salaries than their predecessors.

The only exception to this common trend in my first-hand experience was in Skaneateles over a year ago.

The departing superintendent commanded a $241,000 salary, plus reimbursed vacation days, plus paid sick days, plus a $100,000 bonus, plus two additional years of an annuity, plus $25,000 for a #“transition stipend.” The incoming superintendent received roughly a third of that total.

Why do the salaries for new chief school officers rise higher than comparison groups? There are several reasons.

One, fewer and fewer people want to be superintendents, so the benefits increase to be competitive.

Two, no other position has a residency requirement, and moving nearly always brings a higher debt load for housing.

Three, the average stay for superintendents in city districts is less than five years - a symbol of the precarious nature of the position.

Individuals seeking more information should read the vacancy postings on the Web sites for school boards (www.nyssba.org) or superintendents (www.nyscoss.org).

Each organization lists openings with some comparative details.

John Plume

Auburn

Plume is superintendent of schools for the Auburn Enlarged City School District.