LINCOLN — Nebraska State Senator Dave Murman of Glenvil has introduced Legislative Bill 300, which aims to limit superintendent salaries by capping them at no more than five times the salary of first-year teachers in each district. As chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee, Murman said the bill is intended to reduce administrative costs and prioritize teacher pay, ultimately bringing teacher and administrator salaries closer together.
A similar bill was introduced last session but did not advance due to time constraints. LB 300, if passed, would currently affect only two school districts—Omaha Public Schools and Lincoln Public Schools—where superintendent salaries exceed the proposed limit. However, the cap would only take effect when current contracts are up for renewal.
During a public hearing on Monday, Murman pointed to salary discrepancies between Nebraska and similar-sized school districts in other states. He noted that Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent currently earns $333,720, compared to Sarasota County Schools in Florida, where a superintendent overseeing a similar number of students earns $255,000.
Despite six written comments submitted in favor of the bill, no one testified in support. Instead, five individuals testified in opposition, alongside eight written statements against it. Opponents, including school board members and education representatives, argued that capping salaries could reduce local school board control and hinder the ability to attract qualified superintendent candidates.
Senator Jana Hughes of Seward, a former school board member, voiced concerns about limiting school boards’ authority over contracts. Other opponents, including Jack Moles, executive director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, argued that the bill could unintentionally lead to higher teacher salaries across the board as districts attempt to maintain competitive superintendent pay.
Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, warned that strong leadership is critical for teacher retention and that limiting superintendent salaries could worsen the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
Meanwhile, Kyle McGowan, a legislative consultant with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, highlighted the growing number of vacancies in school leadership roles. Across Nebraska’s 244 school districts, there are currently 185 open administrative positions, including 42 superintendent vacancies.
McGowan suggested an alternative approach—rather than capping superintendent salaries, requiring that starting teacher salaries be no less than 20% of the superintendent’s pay. Later in the hearing, Murman indicated he was open to considering that modification.
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