Opinion ID: 2524503
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Other Salaries

Text: [ถ 68] Salaries for administrators, including superintendents and principals, are based on statewide averages. The average salary bears no relationship to the size of the school or district or to the relative responsibilities of the employees. The formula provides compensation for a superintendent in the smallest district at the same rate as the superintendent in the largest district, despite greatly different responsibilities. Unlike the teacher salary component, the formula fails to provide any form of seniority adjustment for administrators or increase due to additional degrees or educational units, notwithstanding the fact that such adjustments are the accepted practice of Wyoming school districts. The effect is that the compensation for administrators' salaries bears little relationship to the actual costs incurred by any Wyoming school district and results in funding disparities for which the state has shown no compelling state interest. [ถ 69] A similar approach is taken with classified personnel such as aides, clerks, and operation and maintenance personnel, with similar problems resulting in unacceptable disparities. We reverse the trial court's decision to the contrary as clearly erroneous and hold that administrative and classified salaries should be adjusted in a fashion similar to teacher salaries to account for differences in experience, responsibility, and seniority. We further hold these changes shall be implemented no later than July 1, 2002.