Superintendent salaries have risen 55%

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Despite the tough economy, a new study finds local superintendent salaries rose significantly in the past decade.

It's no secret that school administrators make more money than any other employee in their school district, but a recent study finds superintendents are getting paid really, really well.

According to Business First, the average superintendent salary has gone up 55 percent over the past 12 years, which is much higher than the rate of inflation, which is 34 percent.

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The top three earning superintendents in WNY are James Williams of Buffalo, the largest district by far, and he makes $220,000 a year. Howard Smith of Williamsville comes in at second with a $216,000 salary. Thomas Coseo of Clarence earns a salary of $205,000 a year.

Tiffany Klis said, "I think it's ridiculous."

But not everyone does.

"I don't have a problem with it, if it's a big district and with it comes a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure," said Ken Coyle.

The biggest jump in a superintendent's salary goes to Starpoint, which was around $85,000 12 years ago and is now at $177,000. That's a jump of 107 percent.

Klis commented said, "They're getting high salaries when everyone else is getting laid off."

Teachers make the most money in the Sweet Home district.

Paul Cochi said, "If you get good, quality teachers in there, I think they should be paid decent."

"I know the job they do, and I give them tons of credit because I could not do that job at all," added Klis.

Rounding out the top five in the teacher pay ratings are Williamsville, Niagara Falls, Lackawanna and Grand Island. All 98 western New York districts are on the Business First list. For more on the rankings, follow this link .