TOP TEN COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENTS - NC

Compiled by American Lens, Fall 2016

1. Wake – James Merrill

Total Compensation: $284,842.08
Hire date: 06-18-13 End date: 06-30-18
Average Daily Membership: 156,612 Compensation Rate per pupil: $1.82

• Termination clause states Board pays severance of two years of annual compensation
($569,684.16).
• Upon unilateral termination the board will pay severance on the upcoming 12 months of the
contract or the remainder of the contract, whichever is less.
• Additional 5% of annual compensation to be added depending on annual evaluation results
• Compensated at a rate of 1/250 of total compensation for 10 days of work done prior to start
date.
• Reimbursed for up to $2000 for 30 days of temporary housing while relocating.
• Board provides smartphone, laptop, home fax machine, iPad and other electronic devices
• Reimbursement for internet access.
• If Superintendent does not give the required 90 days notice, a $30,000 fine will be levied .
• Reimbursement for expenses.
• $2,000 per year in membership fees/dues.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State Board policy.
• Annual pay out for 10 days of vacation per year at 1/250 of Superintendent's aggregate annual
salary .
• Additional 96 hours per year in paid leave to be used prior to annual vacation leave allotment
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Board does not require an annual medical exam.
• Board would hire security for Superintendent and family should any threats arise.
• Board will reimburse Superintendent for contributions made to the state retirement system.
• Reimbursement for term life insurance.
 TOP TEN COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENTS - NC
Compiled by American Lens, Fall 2016

2. Cumberland – Dr. Frank Till

Total Compensation: $271,560.00
Hire date: 07-01-09 End date: 06-30-18
Average Daily Membership: 49,918 Compensation Rate per pupil: $5.44

• Upon unilateral termination by the board, severance consisting of the remaining months on the
contract will be paid in a lump sum.
• Use of district owned vehicle .
• Reimbursement for expenses.
• Reimbursement for membership fees/due at state rate.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State Board policy.
• 20 additional annual leave days per year.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Board reimburses for fees of annual medical exam not covered by State Health Plan.
• Board pays for disability insurance.
• Participation in state retirement system.
• Reimbursement for term life insurance.
• Board pays for/provides disability insurance.

3. Charlotte/Mecklenburg – Ann Clark

Total Compensation: $269,860.00
Hire date: 01-27-15 End date: 07-31-17
Average Daily Membership:145,444 Compensation Rate per pupil: $1.86

• Upon termination without cause, the board will pay severance through the contract end date.
• Additional $4,971.28 paid out in March 2015 for additional duties.
• Possible additional bonuses based on evaluations.
• Reimbursement for expenses.
• Board shall pay for all memberships/dues after board approval.
• Reimbursement for professional development.
• 10 additional vacation days to be used prior to state or local leave.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State Board policy.
• Transfer of funds to IRA or retirement account by request.
• Participation in the state retirement system.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Board pays for/provides disability insurance.
 TOP TEN COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENTS - NC
Compiled by American Lens, Fall 2016

4. Guilford – Dr. Sharon Contreras

Total Compensation: $250,000.08
Hire date: 08-22-16 End date: 06-30-20
Average Daily Membership: 71,429 Compensation Rate per pupil: $3.50

• Beginning in 2016-17, eligible for annual increase of 3% at the conclusion of each year
regardless of the amount designated by the state of North Carolina. This increase will become
part of the base salary.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan, including an additional as required to cover 100% of all
health and dental premiums for the Superintendent and dependents.
• Annual sick leave of 20 days.
• 20 additional vacation days.
• Up to 10 days of unused vacation will be paid as a bonus at the end of the fiscal year.
• Board shall purchase Life Insurance up to $500,000.00 with the provider of the Superintendent's
choice.
• Board agrees to pay $20,000 a year towards the retirement plan for the Superintendent.
• Board at the request of the Superintendent will withhold and transfer an amount of base salary
at an interval requested by the Superintendent to an annuity.
• Board will provide security for the Superintendent should it become necessary.
• $1,000 per month in travel expenses.
• Board will supply communication devices such as a tablet, portable computer and smartphone.
Board will either pay monthly fees and maintenance on said devices or offer an allowance to the
Superintendent.
• Board requires and will pay for an annual medical exam.
• Board will pay for membership fees, dues and other expenses related to professional
development.
• Board will provide professional liability insurance.
 TOP TEN COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENTS - NC
Compiled by American Lens, Fall 2016

5. Alamance-Burlington – Dr. Bill Harrison

Total Compensation: $248,657.00
Hire date: 07-01-15 End date: 05-31-18
Average Daily Membership: 22,600 Compensation Rate per pupil: $11.00

• Superintendent will receive three months salary upon unilateral termination by the Board.
• Use of district owned vehicle.
Board provides cell phone or electronic device; Superintendent reimbursed for district related
charges.
• Reimbursement for expenses.
• Reimbursement for membership fees/dues list approved by Board.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State Board policy.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Board reimburses for fees of annual medical exam not covered by State Health Plan.
• Board pays for/provides disability insurance.

6. Durham – Dr. Bert L'Homme

Total Compensation: $230,999.12
Hire date: 07-14-14 End date: 06-30-20
Average Daily Membership: 33,144 Compensation Rate per pupil: $6.97

• Upon unilateral termination the board will pay severance on the upcoming 12 months of the
contract or the remainder of the contract, whichever is less.
• Reimbursement for expenses.
• $100 monthly to maintain cell phone or work related electronic device.
• $600 monthly allowance for travel both inside and outside the county.
• Board shall pay for all memberships/dues after board approval.
• Board shall reimburse for professional development expenses.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State and State Board policy.
• 20 additional annual leave days per year.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Board reimburses for fees of annual medical exam not covered by State Health Plan.
• Board pays for/provides disability insurance.
 TOP TEN COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENTS - NC
Compiled by American Lens, Fall 2016

7. Union – Dr. Andrew Houlihan

Total Compensation: $225,000.00
Hire date: 08-24-16 End date: 06-30-20
Average Daily Membership: 41,873 Compensation Rate per pupil: $5.37

• Annual sick leave, vacation per State and State Board policy.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Transfer of funds to IRA or retirement account by request.
• Board will provide electronic devices such as, but not limited to, a laptop and smartphone.
• Board will pay for charges for members to the American Association of School Administrators,
the local Chamber of Commerce and one other civic organization.
• Access to disability plans; board may terminate Superintendent after 90 days of disability.

8. Granville – Dr. Dorwin Howard, Sr.

Total Compensation: $220,264.54
Hire date: 06-01-14 End date: 06-30-17
Average Daily Membership: 7,868 Compensation Rate per pupil: $27.99

• Upon unilateral termination, board will pay severance of 12 months compensation including
benefits.
• Use of district owned vehicle.
• Possible additional bonuses based on evaluations.
• Reimbursement for membership fees/dues list approved by Board.
• Board shall reimburse for professional development expenses.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State and State Board policy.
• Board reimburses for fees of bi-annual medical exam.
• Board pays for/provides disability insurance.
 TOP TEN COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENTS - NC
Compiled by American Lens, Fall 2016

9. Dare County – Dr. Sue Burgess

Total Compensation: $218,815.20
Hire date: 07-01-00 End date: 07-01-17
Average Daily Membership: 4,944 Compensation Rate per pupil: $44.26

• Aggregate salary cannot be decreased.

• Eligible for a bonus of 6% of aggregate compensation annually based on meeting goals set by
board.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
• Board reimburses Superintendent for 100% for optical insurance costs.
• Board will pay additional amount to cover 100% of medical and dental premiums for
Superintendent and family.
• Life insurance per State plan. Board pays supplement Life insurance premiums of up to
$500,000.00 per year.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State and State Board policy.
• $800 transportation allowance (increased from $600).
• Expenses reimbursed at Dare county per diem rate for public employees.
• Board shall provide, home fax machine, pager, cell phone, laptop, home and office internet
access. Board pays all fees for said devices.
• Board at the request of the Superintendent will withhold and transfer an amount of base salary
at an interval requested by the Superintendent to an annuity. Board may match contributions at a
rate of 4.75% of the Superintendent's aggregate salary.
• Superintendent may utilize a 'cafeteria plan'.
• Board shall pay for professional development and membership expenses.
• Board will provide indemnity and liability coverage as applicable by state law.
• Board pays for required annual medical exam.
• Was reimbursed for housing when first hired in 2000 at a rate of $1,789.00 per month for 6
months.
• Board paid up to $10,000 in closing costs for purchase of Superintendent's Dare home.
 TOP TEN COMPENSATED SUPERINTENDENTS - NC
Compiled by American Lens, Fall 2016

10. Bertie – Dr. Julius Walker (Interim)

Total Compensation: $213,000.00
Hire date: 08-01-16 End date: TBD
Average Daily Membership: 2,280 Compensation Rate per pupil: $93.42

The interim contract for Dr. Walker was not available. The following are details from the prior
Superintendent, Emma White.

• Suspension of the use of a state vehicle for travel.

• Board pays for any feed for electronic handheld device, laptop and internet.
• Reimbursement for expenses.
• $500 per month travel allotment.
• $2,000 per year in membership fees/due.
• $2,500 per year for professional development.
• Administrative bonuses.
• Transfer of funds to IRA or retirement account by request.
• Annual sick leave, vacation per State and State Board policy.
• Health insurance per State Health Plan.
Board reimburses for fees of annual medical exam not covered by State Health Plan.
• Board pays for/provides disability insurance.