Analysis: Hernandez's Pay Average for State Superintendents

Branford Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez is slated to take home a total compensation package of about $168,000 during the 2012-13 school year, an average of about $48 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.

Hernandez's pay falls solidly in the mid-range of superintendent pay throughout the state – just about $2,000 above average. 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.

Compensation packages can include negotiated perks and benefits, including compensation for unused sick time, meal allowances, travel pay and bonuses.

The highest paid superintendent in the state is Elliott Landon of Westport who receives $285,000, which is about $50 per student according to the Register database.

One of the smallest salaries for a fulltime superintendent goes to Frances Rabinowitz of Hamden who makes, $100,000 a year. The cost per pupil is about $16. Branford's Hernandez most recently served as the Hamden Assistant Superintendent before coming to Branford in 2010.