Regional Academy Director Tops List of Highest Paid School System Employees

Although she earned the highest annual salary, Superintendent Kathleen Ouellette did not top the list of Manchester Public Schools’ highest earners during the 2010 calendar year.

That distinction went to Bruce Thorndike, director of the Manchester Regional Academy and New Horizons program, according to information provided by the district. Thorndike earned $142,015.76 in base salary and an additional $26,092.38 in other compensation from the district for total earnings of $168,108.15 in 2010.

Ouellette earned $155,366.12 in base salary for the 2010 calendar year, placing her second on the list; she did not receive any additional stipends or earnings.

Ouellette’s salary appears to be comparable to the salary of other superintendents in the area. Enfield paid its superintendent, John Gallacher, $153,851 in 2010, while Mansfield paid Superintendent Frederick Baruzzi $146,592.70. Manchester’s school system is responsible for more students than either Enfield or Mansfield’s. Ouellette has served as Superintendent since October of 2004.

Patricia Brooks, Assistant to the Superintendent, Finance and Management, said the school system models its payment scale, which it negotiates with the various unions it deals with, based on salaries in neighboring and comparable school districts and the level of experience of those holding the position. Brooks placed fourth in total earnings in 2010, with a base salary of $136,202.24.

The list of the school system’s top 10 earners for the 2010 calendar year is as follows:

1. Bruce Thorndike, MRA/New Horizons Director
Salary: $142,015.76       Other Compensation: $26,092.38   Total: $168,108.14

2. Kathleen Ouellette, Superintendent of Schools
Salary: $155,366.12        Other Compensation: x                        Total: $155,366.12

3. Kevin O’Donnell, Manchester High School Principal
Salary: $136,762            Other Compensation: x                          Total: $136,762

4. Patricia Brooks, Asst. to the Super., Finance & Management 
Salary: $136,202.24     Other Compensation: x                         Total: $136,202.24

5. Ann Richardson, Asst. Super., Curriculum & Instruction
Salary $135,636.69        Other Compensation: x                        Total: $135,636.69

6. Donna Fitzgerald, Martin Elementary School Principal
Salary: $132,339.83      Other Compensation: $2,124.86      Total: $134,464.69

7. Michael Saimond, Verplanck Elementary School Principal
Salary: $132,339.83       Other Compensation: $332.95         Total: $132,672.78

8. Troy Monroe, Illing Middle School Principal
Salary: $127,770.44        Other Compensation: $1,346.10      Total: $129,116.54

9. Marylou Colwell, Bowers Elementary School Principal
Salary: $123,955.17         Other Compensation: $2,980.75      Total: $126,935.92

10. Shelly Matfess, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Salary: $122,692.36        Other Compensation: $3,115.39        Total: $125,807.75

Click  for the list of the town's top ten highest paid employees.