With at least two superintendent positions opening up in our region, chances are the new hires at these districts will be getting some nice compensation packages. According to On Board, a publication of the New York State School Boards Association, the average salary for superintendents in 2019-20 is about $184,130 annually.

That pay scale is above what superintendents in Chautauqua County earn. On average, in the Southern Tier region, the pay scale is about $150,566. That number, however is just the tip of the iceberg. Add in the generous benefit packages, which include pensions and health care, and other perks — possibly a district vehicle, and the cost to taxpayers tops $190,000 per superintendent locally.

Dunkirk and Westfield are currently looking for new school chiefs. Those who are exiting have had their critics.

These potential replacements also will face scrutiny. But they have the upper hand. Finding a qualified or capable superintendent can be a challenge for many small districts.