Salary Increase to Align with Local Superintendents’ Pay Rates
In a move that has raised eyebrows, New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa recently received a substantial salary increase of $155,000, lifting her annual compensation to $464,000, with an additional $25,000 increase in January, bringing her total salary to $489,000. The pay bump, which occurred over several months, was designed to bring Rosa’s salary in line with that of local school superintendents in New York. Payroll records indicate that her salary in 2021 was $334,000, marking a significant rise after the adjustments.
The decision behind the raise was explained by the New York State Education Department’s spokesperson, JP O’Hare. He noted that before the increase, Rosa’s salary was lower than that of eight superintendents across New York, with some earning as much as $384,000. Additionally, 20 other superintendents had salaries within 10 percent of Rosa’s revised salary. The increase was deemed necessary to maintain the perception of Rosa as the head of the state’s educational system, especially since she oversees local school districts. The department stressed that such a salary gap could undermine her role and create challenges in recruiting future educational leaders.
Controversy Surrounding Process and Transparency
While the salary raise was approved by the New York State Education Department in consultation with the Division of Budget and the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations, it was implemented without public announcement. Lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee were made aware of the decision, but some individual members, including Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, expressed concerns about the lack of direct notification. Solages raised questions about the transparency of the process and hoped that the increase adhered to legal guidelines.
The pay raise comes at a time when the Education Department is facing renewed scrutiny, particularly regarding the renovation of the State Museum, which falls under its jurisdiction. Governor Kathy Hochul recently proposed investing $150 million into the museum, sparking a potential conflict between her administration and Rosa’s department, as discussions over the renovation could interfere with the agency’s authority. Notably, Governor Hochul earns $250,000 annually, well below Rosa’s revised salary.
Rosa’s Role and Comparisons to Other Educational Leaders
Rosa, a Bronx native with a long career in New York’s public education system, has led the State Education Department since 2020. In addition to her role as commissioner, she also serves as the president of the University of the State of New York, which oversees all educational programs in the state.
The salary increase was quietly approved after a review conducted by the Board of Regents, which determined that Rosa’s salary should be adjusted based on national and state salary data. The board did not hold a formal vote on the matter, but the decision was justified by comparisons to other top educational leaders in New York, including Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany, and SUNY Chancellor John B. King, who earns significantly higher salaries.
Despite the justification, the raise places Rosa’s salary above the base pay for many commissioners of comparable state agencies, with those positions typically earning around $220,000. O’Hare defended the increase, emphasizing that Rosa’s expanded role overseeing the entire K-12 and collegiate education system required compensation comparable to other high-ranking educational officials. The Education Department has indicated that Rosa’s salary may be reevaluated in two years, with potential for further increases.
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