7 northeast Ohio school leaders paid more than Gov. John Kasich

CLEVELAND - An On Your Side investigation found seven northeast Ohio school superintendents make more money than Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

“I think I’ll keep my mouth shut on that one,” said the republican governor, when NewsChannel5 asked him about the superintendents’ super salaries.

Kasich earns $148,866 a year, according to documents obtained by NewsChannel5. Our investigation found Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Chief Executive Officer is paid a significantly higher salary than the governor.

The current budget for the position is $263,000, according to CMSD officials.

Eric Gordon, the district’s chief academic officer, was appointed chief executive officer Tuesday. Gordon said he anticipates he will earn less than $263,000.

“While, the negotiation for the contract is not complete, I do not expect to make the salary that was budgeted for the previous CEO,” said Gordon when questioned by investigator Sarah Buduson.

Gordon’s predecessor, Eugene Sanders, earned $273,020, according to CMSD officials.

Other superintendents who earn more than Kasich include:

• South Euclid-Lyndhurst’s superintendent Dr. William Zelei. Zelei earns $157,496.
• Maple Heights City Schools Superintendent Charles Keenan earns $152,011.
• Shaker Heights Schools Superintendent Mark Freeman makes $179,210.
• Rocky River City Schools Superintendent Michael Shoaf’s salary is $157,124.
• Lorain City Schools Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Atkinson makes $190,962.
• Akron City Schools Superintendent David James makes $175,000.

Our investigation found two of the superintendents are also what’s known as “double dippers.” Zelei and Freeman were rehired after they retired so they are collecting pensions and their paychecks.

Superintendents often receive other perks. Freeman drives a district car and so does James.

“In my opinion, it’s fair,” said James about his and other superintendents’ salaries and perks. James said he often works 12-hour days. He said he is trying to increase student achievement while overseeing a rapidly shrinking school budget.

“It is a very difficult job, as is the governor’s and a lot of other jobs that are out there,” he said.

Superintendents have felt some effects of the state’s current fiscal crisis. Some, including James, have had their salaries frozen. Gordon said he has requested a one-year, no-frills contract from CMSD.

“None of the traditional kinds of additional compensations would be embedded in that contract,” Gordon said.

Carolynn Pen, one of 642 teachers laid off by CMSD in April, said she would give up pay and perks if she were superintendent.

“I would say 'yes.' And not just because of the situation I’m in,” she said. “If you really honestly look at it, you know, as a superintendent, it’s not you that’s making the difference, it’s the teachers that you have."

Gordon takes the reins at CMSD July 1.