Superintendent's Raise

Just heard that the Board of Education has granted Superintendent Maxwell a 7.7% raise.

At a time when the county and state are facing record deficits, I just don't get it. The arguments are that the school system under his leadership has made achievements and this is a reward, similar to what other systems do. There is also the argument that we have to pay what similar counties do to attract good candidates.

I usually agree, but the economic situation in our country has everybody getting by with less. Other county employees are looking at massive cuts, either a reduction of their time or a job layoff. The school system is also having to cut programs and critical building maitenance funds.What does it say about the board and about the superintendent to agree to something like this?

Neither the County Executive nor the County Council has any say over this decision. It is the Board of Education's decision, but I believe, in this current economic climate, it appears to be irresponsible and reflects poorly on their judgment.