Brick Township Board of Education/Schools (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Brick school administrators will see their salaries increase over the next three years under a contract approved by the Board of Education Thursday night, but a former board member questioned whether the removal of a salary guide from the contract could eventually lead to a higher payroll.
The administrators will see a 2.25 percent increase to their base salaries each year for the next three years, a 6.75 percent total increase. They will retain their present health benefits plan and continue to pay the contribution rates that were set forth in a state benefits reform law. The law has since sunset, making the contributions negotiable.
The pact also closes a loophole that could save the district in benefits costs. Previously, administrators who had spouses working in the district could waive their own benefits and use their spouse’s, contributing payments based on the lower salary. Two employees who presently take advantage of that loophole will be able to continue to do so, but it will be prohibited in the future.
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Former board member Karyn Cusanelli questioned a decision made by the board to end salary guides for administrators, instead opting for a range based upon a position. Instead of starting at a particular salary step, administrators can now be hired at any salary within the range of their position.
For example, principals can earn anywhere between $117,000 and $145,000.
Interim Superintendent Thomas Gialanella, however, said the new plan could prevent situations where raises are automatic and costly.
“There are no more bubbles – the bubbles are all gone,” he said.
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