Publication Date

2005

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Johnson, Donald R., 1941-

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations

LCSH

School superintendents--Salaries; etc.--Illinois

Abstract

Consider the problem statement, “Why is there such a large variance of salaries among school superintendents?” What is known about this topic is that the amounts of salaries that superintendents are paid vary significantly. The purpose of this study was to conduct quantitative and qualitative research to address the stated problem that superintendents' compensations vary significantly. This study analyzed the salary and benefits of school superintendents in the state of Illinois during the 2003–2004 school year. Quantitative data were collected from the sample through a survey instrument. Surveys were sent via the Internet. Surveys could be submitted online. Qualitative data were collected through follow-up telephone interviews. A significant relationship was found between the superintendent's salary and the highest degree earned by the superintendent, the number of years of experience the superintendent had in education, the number of years the superintendent served in his/her first superintendent's position, and the number of years the superintendent was an administrator before obtaining his/her first superintendent's position. A superintendent's salary could be explained by knowing the highest degree earned by the superintendent, the number of years experience the superintendent has in education, and the number of years the superintendent was an administrator before obtaining the first superintendent's position. Salaries were found to be significantly higher for the superintendents who reported having doctorate degrees, being from wealthy districts, being in upper-income and wealthy communities, and negotiating their salary with the board, rather than having the board set their salary. Finally, superintendents may be underpaid in some areas. Recommendations included setting a minimum salary for superintendents, encouraging superintendents to obtain their doctorate degree, and encouraging superintendents to seek the assistance of their professional association when negotiating their contract with the board.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [70]-72).

Extent

x, 87 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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