Analysis: Graner's Pay Above State Average for Superintendents

Ledyard Superintendent of Schools Michael Graner is slated to take home a total compensation package of $177,056 during the 2012-13 school year, an average of $64.64 per student in the school district, according to an analysis of the contracts of 148 superintendents compiled by Journal Register Co. newspapers in the state.

Graner's pay falls above the average pay of superintendents throughout the state. According to the analysis by the New Haven Register, the Register-Citizen of Torrington and the Middletown Press, the average pay for a superintendent in Connecticut is about $166,000 a year, with 27 making more than $200,000 per year.

In comparison, Waterford Superintendent Jerome Belair is the highest paid superintendent in Eastern Connecticut at $206,360 annually, East Lyme Superintendent James Lombardo makes $197,964 annually, Montville Superintendent Pamela Aubin makes $177,360 and Stonington Superintendent Van W. Riley makes $175,000.

Westport's Elliot Landon takes home the most pay, at $285,077 ($49.93 per student), followed by Wilton superintendent Gary Richards at $267,587 ($61.12 per student) and Fairfield superintendent David Title at $264,500 ($26.57 per student).

The highest ratios of superintendent pay to students in the district fall in the smaller districts, topped by Eastford's Linda Loretz, who will earn $672.48 per student ($124,409). There are 2,739 students in the Ledyard Public Schools, according to the Journal-Register Co.'s tabulations.

To view a PDF of Graner's contract, click here. He also gets 30 vacation days and eight personal days in his compensation package.