MIDDLETOWN — Superintendent Alberto Vazquez Matos is the top paid Board of Education employee, earning a salary of $228,100, according to data released by the district.
He makes $33,027 more than the average annual salary for a school superintendent in Connecticut as of Feb. 1, according to Salary.com. Pay typically ranges from $159,351 to $235,382, with most professionals earning between $126,828 and $272,081, the website said.
Here are the 20 highest paid school employees, according to data recently released by the school district.
Superintendent Alberto Vazquez Matos, $228,100Executive Director of Operations Marco Gaylord, $203,045Stacey Jere McCann, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, $190,674Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Cannata, $190,674Middletown High School Principal Dawn Brooks, $173,520Vacianna Morais Farquharson, director of pupil personnel, $172,925Director of Technology Services Michael Skott, $159,958Wesley Elementary School Principal Thomas Cannata, $158,383Lawrence Elementary School Principal James Gaudreau, $158,383Moody Elementary School Principal Suzanne Shippee Lopez, $158,383Farm Hill Elementary School Principal Jennifer Kizis Calabrese, $158,383Wilbert Snow Elementary School Principal Peter Fragola, $158,383Bielefield Elementary School Principal Norma Delara, $158,383Spencer Elementary School Principal Amanda Martinez, $158,383Richard Cordaway, director of K-12 math, $157,857Lynn Durham, supervisor of special education, $157,753Megan Hanly, director of science and STEAM, $154,066Paul Michael Griswold, director of assessment, professional development and instruction, $154,066Elba Llantin-Cruz, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, $154,066Special Education Supervisor Angela Caputo, $153,961
The 20 highest paid employees for Middletown schools range from $153,961 to $228,100. Of those, 10 individuals hold director-level positions, and eight are high or elementary school principals. The remaining two are special education supervisors.
Vázquez Matos, hired in July 2021 as the district’s chief academic officer, stepped into the top role in October 2021.
His benefits include a $3,000 stipend in recognition of his two doctoral degrees: a philosophy Ph.D. in second language research, and education Ph.D. in administration, according to his contract.
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Vázquez Matos also holds a master’s of education in school administration and supervision, and a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and secondary education.
Other fringe benefits include an annuity worth 10 percent of his salary, or $22,809, and a $6,000 mileage stipend, according to his contract, which ends June 30.
During the 2023-24 academic year, Vazquez Matos was paid $221,450.
"The compensation structure for our administrative positions reflects the demanding nature of these leadership roles," Vázquez Matos said.
These individuals work outside of the academic year, he added.
"Unlike many school-based positions, administrators work year-round in 12-month positions, routinely exceeding 40 hours per week without overtime compensation," Vazquez Matos said. "These leaders bring extensive educational expertise and hold advanced degrees — qualifications that could command higher salaries in the private sector."
Executive salaries represent an investment in "stability and institutional knowledge," he noted.
He said the goal is to retain "these valuable leaders" and to attract "highly qualified candidates" for any open positions they have.
"When we maintain appropriate compensation, we reduce costly turnover and preserve the relationships and understanding of our community that make our schools effective," he said.