First Ever Release of School District Compensation Data Uncovers Widespread Double-Dipping and Inflated Pay
For Immediate Release
July 23, 2014
California Policy Center
Media Contact: Jordan Bruneau
First Ever Release of School District Compensation Data Uncovers Widespread Double-Dipping and Inflated Pay
California Think Tank Releases 2013 Database of School District Salaries, Calls for Legislation to End Double-Dipping
TUSTIN – Today, the California Policy Center (CPC) released 2013 school district compensation data, complete with names, on TransparentCalifornia.com, the state’s largest public sector compensation database.
The release marks the first time that compensation data for California’s kindergarten through 12th grade schools has ever been publically released. The data uncovers widespread double-dipping (simultaneously collecting a pension and a salary) and exorbitant pay, even for support staff.
To view the comprehensive database, which represents 62 percent of California school districts, click here. The database contains over 581,000 individual compensation records from 2013 and over 430,000 records from 2012. Highlights include:
- Double-Dipping:
- According to the data, well over a thousand CalSTRS pensioners, who retired between 2008 and 2012, also received a salary in 2013.
- Jane Russo, who “retired” in 2011, collected a 2013 CalSTRS pension of $214,213 as well as $38,321 in 2013 compensation for her work at Santa Ana Unified.
- Linda Ramirez, who “retired” in 2011, collected a 2013 CalSTRS pension of $62,488 as well as $116,525 in 2013 compensation for her work at Fresno Unified.
- Michael Clemons, who “retired” in 2010, collected a 2013 CalSTRS pension of $42,678 as well as $128,397 in 2013 compensation for his work at Elk Grove Unified.
- Superintendent and Teacher Compensation:
- Average full-time teacher compensation was $84,886 in 2013.
- 34,756 teachers took home over $100,000 in total 2013 compensation.
- 100 superintendents took home over a quarter of a million dollars in 2013 compensation.
- School Health and Wellness Compensation:
- 1,689 counselors took home over $100,000 in total 2013 compensation.
- 1,374 psychologists took home over $100,000 in total 2013 compensation.
- 332 school nurses took home over $100,000 in total 2013 compensation.
- School Support-Staff Compensation:
- 243 coaches and athletic advisors took home over $100,000 in total 2013 compensation.
- 182 school librarians took home over $100,000 in total 2013 compensation.
- 31 school custodians took home over $100,000 in total 2013 compensation.
“This data illustrates that double-dipping is far more pervasive than originally thought,” said CPC President Mark Bucher. “So-called public servants should not be allowed to bilk taxpayers out of a second salary because of legal loophole. It is immoral and fiscally irresponsible. As such, the California Policy Center is calling on lawmakers close this loophole and introduce legislation to ban the practice of double-dipping.”
To schedule an interview with CPC President Mark Bucher, contact Jordan Bruneau at (916) 258-2396 or Jordan@CalPolicyCenter.org.
The California Policy Center is a non-partisan public policy think tank that aspires to provide information that will elevate and enlighten the public dialogue on vital issues facing Californians, with the goal of helping to foster constructive progress towards more equitable and sustainable management of California’s public institutions.
Learn more at www.TransparentCalifornia.com or www.CaliforniaPolicyCenter.org
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