A closer look at Scott Elder’s new contract w/ Albuquerque Public Schools

The Albuquerque Journal did a write-up on newly-minted Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Scott Elder’s contract, but we wanted to take a closer look at the document.

If you’re inclined, you can read the 7 page document here. It took a bit of sleuthing to find it on the APS website.

As reported Elder will make $225.000 annually with 22 paid leave days, use of a car, and a $500 monthly “allowance” for expenses. All of that is rather routine.

According to the agreement Elder will ALSO receive contributions from APS to a supplemental retirement plan of $50,000 at the end of the 2021-2022 contract year, $55,000 at the end of the 2022-2023 contract year and $60,000 at the end of the 2023-2024 contract year. The kicker is that Elder who has worked for APS since 1991 is ALSO eligible for benefits under the Education Retirement Board (ERB) pension system available to all education employees in the State. So, Elder will truly be living large in retirement and his REAL compensation dwarfs the $225,000 in take home pay.

Furthermore, according to clause 18 of the contract is a provision that sets up mandatory binding arbitration between the District and Elder in case of a dispute. The fees and charges of the arbitration will be paid by the Board.

Finally, and arguably most importantly, there are absolutely NO performance incentives for Elder contained in his contract. So, no matter how far enrollment plummets (it has been and the situation shows no sign of abating) and regardless of how well or poorly APS students perform, Elder’s pay will not be affected.

With the District facing so many challenges we wish Elder luck, but fear that not much is going to change at APS until the school board itself changes.