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Superintendents are the highest-paid public employees in most Texas communities. When their compensation bears no relationship to student outcomes, taxpayers deserve to see the data.
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This entry provides context and source notes. Its detailed explanation remains in the original build; a separate visual breakdown has not yet been authored here.
- Start with the question and coverage below.
- Open the original to inspect the records, controls and evidence behind the finding.
- Check the source dates and methodology before comparing figures or drawing a conclusion.
What you’re looking at
A data investigation comparing superintendent compensation to district academic performance across Texas ISDs. Four visual chapters reveal that pay and performance are strangers, results decline as pay rises, contract perks are hidden, and small districts write the biggest checks.
The question behind it
This investigation uses TEA accountability data, superintendent salary records, and contract details to quantify the disconnect between what Texas taxpayers spend on district leadership and what students get in return.
Why it matters
Superintendents are the highest-paid public employees in most Texas communities. When their compensation bears no relationship to student outcomes, taxpayers deserve to see the data.
Open the full visualizationSources & method
- Texas Education Agency — PEIMS Financial Data
- TEA Accountability Ratings
- Superintendent employment contracts (TPIA)
Method
Superintendent salaries from PEIMS payroll data. Academic performance from TEA accountability ratings and STAAR results. Contract perks extracted from TPIA-obtained employment agreements. Scatter plots show correlation (or lack thereof) between compensation and outcomes.