New York, NY (October 23, 2003) -- Female school superintendents in the United States are out-earning their male peers, earning on average $128,349 for women versus $125,697 for men, according to Scholastic Administr@tor’s first annual salary survey. Minority superintendents earned more their white counterparts across the board. Last year, Hispanic and African-American superintendents earned an average of $140,869 and $138,543, respectively, compared with the $124,704 white superintendents took home on average. Superintendents who are not only female but also Hispanic get the prize for take-home pay, averaging $145,253 per year.
 
“At a time where school budgets are being cut and education mandates are getting tougher and tougher, we wanted to see how administrators were being compensated,” said Bernadette Grey, editor-in-chief of Scholastic Administr@tor . “The findings from the study indicate that school superintendents salaries’ continue to grow, even outpacing the rate of inflation.”
 
Scholastic Administr@tor uncovers findings in its investigation of superintendents’ salaries:

• Qualified Superintendents are in Short Supply Across the Nation - Experienced teachers are reluctant to apply for top administrative positions that pay more because of increasing pressure for schools to perform and meet standards set by the No Child Left Behind law. 
• Despite Budget Shortfalls, Superintendents Continue to Receive Bonuses - Even superintendents earning salaries in the $150,000 range may receive an additional $40,000 or $50,000 in bonuses or other extras, such as a car or housing allowance. 
• Big City Superintendents Take Home Top Pay - Urban area superintendents earned double the daily pay of their country colleagues, $786 vs. $370. 
• Superintendents’ Salaries Out Pace Inflation - Unlike the private sector where salaries have not grown with the inflation rate, the average superintendent pay continued to climb. Highest salaries reported were in the $285,000 range, while the lowest salaries were $57,857.

 
Educational Research Service (ERS), surveyed education professionals in more than 600 school districts across the country, for the study. The results are published in the October issue of Scholastic Administrator.
 
For additional results log-on to www.scholastic.com/administrator
 
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com .

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