New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Administrators make up bulk of top 10 school district earners
CHESHIRE — Only one non-administrator made the school district’s 10 list of wage earners in 2020.
Amanda Giacondino, who works as the Humiston School’s mental health professional, made $161,822, putting her at 6 on the list.
Superintendent of Schools Jeff Solan was the district’s top wage earner, with a salary of $215,956.75
Four principals made the list:
▶ Mary Joscelyn-Gadd, Cheshire High School, $176,764.
▶ Michael Woods, Dodd Middle School, $164,991.
▶ Kelly Decicco-Grillo, Norton Elementary School, $158,132.
▶ Scott Jeffrey, Highland Elementary School, $158,132.
Decicco-Grillo and her team of teachers helped Norton School become one of four Connecticut schools named 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools last year. The award is given annually to schools across the nation that demonstrate overall high achievement or success in closing achievement gaps.
During the coronavirus pandemic, scrutiny of educators’ salaries in the district has taken a back seat to keeping students safe from COVID-19 when they are in school, and learning when they have to hold classes remotely, according to Tim White, a Republican school board member.
“Of the 350 to 400 teachers we have in the district, most of them have been the classroom the whole time, working with the kids,” White said. “I have not gotten any feedback about salaries. The focus has been, ‘Let’s get through COVID and keep the kids in school.’”
In addition to Solan, Giacondino and the four principals, the rest of the top 10 district earners for 2020 included:
▶ Vincent Masciana, chief operating officer, $186,326.
▶ Marlene Silano, assistant superintendent, $182,989.07
▶ Robin Anne Carey, director of pupil personnel services, $159,147.
▶ Maureen Reed, Cheshire High School assistant principal of curriculum, $158,370.