Superintendent Salary Requests: A Test of Transparency
An ABC15 investigation into the salaries of superintendents across more than 80 Arizona school districts has exposed a complex issue of government transparency. While school superintendent contracts are legally public records, obtaining them often requires a challenging journey through bureaucratic hurdles, sometimes taking months.
The investigation began in late April when ABC15 investigators contacted various school districts, requesting three key pieces of information: the most recent superintendent contract, a detailed breakdown of the superintendent's total compensation, and the names and salaries of all school employees earning over $100,000 annually.
The ABC15 team used these contracts to calculate the salaries and perks of public school district superintendents, making the information accessible to the public.
Despite the apparent commitment to transparency, the investigation uncovered significant obstacles. Many districts imposed strict requirements, such as resubmitting requests on specific paper forms, and some even charged exorbitant fees, far exceeding standard per-page rates. For instance, the Glendale Elementary School District initially demanded $3,671 to provide the requested information, which ABC15 investigators challenged, successfully securing the documents at no cost within two weeks.
Chris Kline, from the Arizona Media Association, highlighted the vagueness of Arizona's public records law, which allows government agencies to interpret and provide information in various ways, often leading to bureaucratic delays. He emphasized the need for clearer guidelines to ensure timely and transparent access to public records.
The investigation also revealed inconsistent practices across districts. Some were slow to respond, requiring repeated emails and calls, while others insisted on resubmitting requests through password-protected web portals. Interestingly, several districts only accepted paper checks as payment, with the Cave Creek Unified School District demanding a $2 check, either mailed or dropped off in person.
Kline criticized the slow and cumbersome process, arguing that it undermines democracy and freedom of information. He suggested that changes to state law might be necessary to streamline public access, although school districts could also review their policies to enhance transparency within existing legal frameworks.
Some districts have already taken positive steps towards transparency. The Flagstaff Unified School District, for instance, posts its superintendent contracts online, a practice that has become standard for its superintendent, Mike Penca, who has been in the role for nine years.
Penca's 2024-2025 contract, combining base salary, performance bonus, and listed perks, was valued at approximately $190,000. This proactive approach to transparency is a positive step, but more can be done to ensure that all districts follow suit.
As the investigation concludes, ABC15 remains committed to holding those in power accountable and providing the public with the information they need. The team encourages readers to submit news tips to Investigators@abc15.com, continuing the fight for transparency and public access to information.
