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The 25 highest paid public employees in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Using data from See Through New York, here's a list of the 25 highest paid public employees in Genesee County in 2009 (the most recent year with complete data available).

  • Edward Orman: $236,708, Superintendent, Pavilion Central Schools
  • Gary Mix: $211,413, Superintendent Pembroke Central Schools
  • Steve Hyde: $199,259, President and CEO, GCEDC
  • Gregory Geer: $149,605, Superintendent, Byron-Bergen Central School District
  • Martin Basinait: $137,850, Director, Western Off-Track Betting
  • Cindy Herzog: $132,708, Superintendent, Le Roy Central School District
  • Margaret Puzio: $127,000, Superintendent, Batavia City Schools
  • Christopher Todd: $123,600, Superintendent, Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools
  • Michael Crowley: $121,242, CFO, BOCES
  • Lawrence Friedman: $118,187, District Attorney, Genesee County
  • Pamela Buresch: $117,862, Administrator of Student Assessment, Batavia City Schools
  • Kathleen Maerten: $115,200, Superintendent, Alexander Central Schools
  • Stephen Mahoney: $112,077, Human Resources, BOCES
  • Kevin Hamilton: $110,430 Vice President for Finance and Operations, Genesee Community College
  • Michael Glover: $109,301, Superintendent, BOCES
  • Gregory MacAluso: $109,301 Asst. Superintendent, BOCES
  • Sheila Eigenbrod: $109,275, Middle & High School Principal, Pavilion Central Schools
  • Joan Cole: $108,250 Superintendent, Elba Central Schools
  • William Lang: $107,201, Asst. Superintendent, Pembroke Central Schools
  • Sandra Griffin: $105,935, Middle School Principal, Batavia City School
  • Trisha Finnigan: $105,924, Director of Special Education, Batavia City School
  • Brian Moran: $105,454, Athletic Director, Le Roy Central School District
  • Keith Palmer: $105,065, Principal, Pembroke Central Schools
  • Ted Hale: $104,700, Director of Instructional Programs, BOCES
  • Craig Williams: $104,581, Fire Captain, City of Batavia 

UPDATE: In comments, Jeff Allen correctly points out that we left out judicial salaries.  The bottom three on the list above would have been pushed off by the following three judges:

  • Robert Noonan, $139,479, Fourth Judicial Department, County Court Judge
  • Eric Adams, $123,240, Fourth Judicial Department, Family Court Judge
  • Robert Balbick, $115,540, Fourth Judicial Department, City Court Judge
Mike Weaver

I'm suprised this news item isn't getting more commentary.

Do other nearby school districts even have an Administtrator of Student Assessment, let alone pay that individual at a Superintendant pay level?

Jul 8, 2010, 5:29pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

Darn it all!! I didn't make the list....again!!

I'll bet Margaret Puzio is thinking "WTF!" There are four smaller schools whose superintendent makes WAY MORE than she does!!

My goal for next year....become a school super!!!

Jul 8, 2010, 7:05pm Permalink
George Richardson

Barack is getting screwed. I'm happy with my lot. God I love you guys. No shit (aka lie). Ban me Howard, it's your duty. Do it, do it now. C'mon do it. C'mon man.

Jul 8, 2010, 8:26pm Permalink
Scott Birkby

Mr Mix, Mr Palmer and Mr Lang from the Pembroke school district deserve way more than they are paid. They have managed to produce results in line with elite private schools. I'll bet there aren't many rural school districts that could make that claim. With all of the waste in government, it's nice for the taxpayers to get their money's worth once in a while. These fellows have given us our money's worth and more.

Jul 8, 2010, 8:27pm Permalink
Brian Schollard

$423,679 for 3 men in one district!?! OUTRAGEOUS Mr. Brikby. My school taxes have gone up every year as they continue to piss MY MONEY AWAY!!!

Jul 8, 2010, 8:45pm Permalink
George Richardson

I think Mr Lang may be a relative on my mama's side. I never met a Mr Lang around Pembroke who wasn't a relative. That's why I got away with so much stuff, thank you mama. Thumbs up Scott. Batavia, you have my heart and soul. But you can't have my mind unless I give it to you, and so far I'm helpless and hopeless. But, it's gonna change. I hopelessly, helplessly, hope for, maybe it's gonna change. Gotta love the Billie and the Howard, dayam! Bah-Tay-Vee-Ya! "Community of Opportunity"
I'll never give up on that sentiment. No Lie, it's my hometown and I can't do anything about it, except love the hell out of it. Hate me, please hate me Howard. Save me from myself, Dudes. And leave Richard G. be, C? I know you do. He's got the Jones too, he can't help himself. Truth. That's 'cause Howard cares, and who would have thought?

Jul 8, 2010, 9:04pm Permalink
Mark Laman

Its amazing that our teachers in Genesee county are some of the lowest paid in NY but our administrators are some of the highest paid in the state!

Some superintendent's salaries from much larger, wealthier districts that put their salaries in perspective are Amherst $157,000, Lancaster $162,000 and Orchard Park $135,000.

The superintendent of Buffalo public schools earns $227,000!! Why are our superintendents in Pembroke and Pavilion earning similar salaries to a man that runs dozens of buildings, employs and manages hundreds of staff and is responsible for thousands of students.

The board of ed in these districts should reconsider their priorities and advocate for the taxpayers in these districts. These salaries are an insult to the hardworking families of our communities.

Jul 8, 2010, 10:17pm Permalink
Janice Stenman

All the complaining about salaries reminds me of a joke:

A man bought a riding horse and was looking for a stable to board him. At the first stable, he asked the rates. "$2 per week and you can keep the manure," he was told.

At the second stable he was told, "$1.50 per week and you can keep the manure."

At the third stable he was told, "$1 per week." The man asked, "Do I get to keep the manure?" The stable owner replied, "At $1 per week, there won't be any manure."

In other words, you get what you pay for.

If Scott Birkby is correct about the level of education in Pembroke, then I don't mind the wages...and I don't have any kids in school.

I'd like to add that I know a student who recently graduated from Pembroke and against many, many odds is now attending college. Had he been attending a school in Rochester or Buffalo, he'd have been another street thug, not someone with a bright future.

Jul 9, 2010, 12:06am Permalink
Mark Laman

I agree with the statement, "you get what you pay for" in many circumstances but what about the student programs, athletic facilities, music departments and teachers?

The superintendent does not work with our kids, the superintendent doesn't run these activities and programs, why should they make the salaries they do when so many other programs are being cut, activities being downsized and our teachers getting laid off?

I would rather see the "you get what you paid for" mentality placed on what effects our kids directly, not Mix's or Orman's bank account...

Jul 9, 2010, 8:07am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

The Batavia City School District is definately overpriced. My child was moved from middle school to high school, with a 5th grade reading level. At the present time, the district has taken my son to family court to make it look as though all the problems were generated at home, blame the parents for the districts own past failures, that's how they roll.

Jul 9, 2010, 8:22am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I think John makes a fair point.

I believe in smaller governments -- I'm against, say, consolidating all the districts, for example -- but smaller governments only work if people participate, stay informed and involved.

Part of the responsibility for that falls to the media. Most of these districts rarely have reporters show up at meetings and ensure information about school district activities (both accomplishments and budget details) get out.

I believe more information raises public awareness and interest and will lead to more citizens getting involved and making their views known.

If The Batavian ever has the resources to cover these agencies more closely, I can assure you, we will.

But people can also do a lot on their own.

If you don't like the way school districts are spending your money, my question is: How many school board meetings have you attended? How many times have you spoken out? What have you done to raise the awareness of your neighbors?

A lot of times, school boards, etc., operate in a vacuum. They're not getting a full range of input, because they're not getting the full range of community views. From the outside, it may look like some of their actions are foolish, but if you saw things from their perspective, without your input, then their decisions would seem quite logical and reasonable.

Finally, I don't blame any individual for negotiating and accepting the best salary he or she can get. That's capitalism. I've no beef with Mr. Orman getting $236K. If he can convince the school board he's worth it, kudos to him. If he really is worth it, all the better.

From my perspective, what top executives in school districts are making is really a very small piece of the picture when it comes to school taxes and how they're spent.

Get involved.

Jul 9, 2010, 8:44am Permalink
Mark Laman

I agree Howard, communities should support their local schools and get involved.

I am by no means saying that we should cut funding to public ed. As a taxpayer, I would like to see my money spent on the kids and the programs that enrich their education and motivate them to carry on their education at the college level.

I would like other community members to recognize that the superintendents in Orchard Park, Lancaster and Amherst are also working very hard and doing great things with their districts at a much more reasonable cost. The difference in salaries between the aforementioned superintendents and Mix/Orman could easily pay for at least 2 teacher salaries, or supplement the sports budget of a few athletic programs.

I am sure these men are great, but what are the districts giving up by keeping them around?

Howard, thank you for allowing the media/community to get involved in this interesting topic.

Jul 9, 2010, 9:24am Permalink
Cecelia Lullo

My personal opinion in this-when a teacher gets tenure and the school system finds the teacher can no longer teach effectively and is a disaster in the classroom, this teacher cannot be fired unless a tremendous amount of money is spent by the school system via the legal system to get that teacher out. Thus, a new "adminstrative" position must be created to get that teacher out of the classroom setting. That is why many school systems are top heavy in administration. If we could get rid of some of these created adminstrative positions and put that money back into the "hands on" aspect of education, the teachers, teacher aids, before school and after school programs, arts, music, athletics, etc. the school system, and us taxpayers, will benefit greatly. Oh, lets not forget the student, too!

Jul 9, 2010, 9:49am Permalink

Howard,

You hit the nail on the head. The problem is that people only get involved when someone prints an article like this. Then they all come out and complain, make comparrisons and throw out accusations of worth. Unfortunately when the next meeting comes or the next election is held, nothing changes and all of the loudest voices seem to just disappear.

I don't mean to be rude, but this has always been something that just annoys me. People have all the courage and conviction to complain, but very little time to help fix what they see as wrong. What a wonder it would be if that switched.

Jul 9, 2010, 12:11pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Phil,

I think most people don't realize that if they came to meetings, or wrote letters, they might have an impact.

I think complaints are a product of feeling disenfranchised.

But individuals could probably have more pre-decision impact than they might realize.

The great thing about both small government, and a situation of less participation from citizens, a single voice is easier to hear.

Jul 9, 2010, 12:40pm Permalink

Howard,

Maybe. I also think people use that as an excuse too much as well. I have heard the "it won't matter anyway" line quite a bit. To which I always follow, "Have you tried?" More times then not I either get a shrug or a flat no.

I think that people are only upset because they think they should be. They don't like taxes or paying so much for something, but when it comes down to having to give up their evenings to help fix it, or even make a decision to eliminate something; they won't.

I have talked to many people who are angry, but once they learn how much work it takes, I usually don't see them again. It's just sad. People have a right to be angry and express themselves of course, but I wish they would put a tenth of that energy into something that could affect change.

Jul 9, 2010, 12:56pm Permalink
Mark Laman

I agree with these statements and I would like to express concern that this trend will only get worse if left alone.

Having this article in print and having the staggering salaries of these two superintendents in black and white will hopefully motivate more people to get involved.

I don't know when the next board meetings will be held, I looked on both Pembroke and Pavillion district webpages and the dates are not posted. I don't know if this would be possible, but can there be another article similar to this posted in September? I know there will be a lot of chatter about these salaries over the next few weeks and I would hope more people would come forward and stand up to the boards and question their decisions on how our tax dollars are spent.

Jul 9, 2010, 1:16pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

This would of been better if it was published before the school budget votes back in May...
Pamela Buresch: $117,862, Administrator of Student Assessment, Batavia City Schools..That one has been complained about to many school board officials and nothing changes...

Jul 9, 2010, 2:10pm Permalink
Mark Laman

The budget is put together well before May. Anyone wishing to voice their opinions should go in the winter or early spring.

I would like to find the board of ed meeting dates and times. I am surprised they are not posted on the websites? I have not checked Batavia yet. I would like to question the board members on why the administrators make so much when student activities are being cut, teacher salaries are being slashed and teachers are being laid off in all local districts.

Having 2 kids in school, it is very frustrating to see how our money is being mismanaged.

Jul 9, 2010, 4:03pm Permalink

With all respect Mark,

I'm not sure what school district you are in, but in Batavia no Teacher's salaries have been slashed or programs cut.

Again, I don't know what district you're in, so I can't speak if you are outside of Batavia, but if you are speaking on Batavia, your information is incorrect.

Jul 9, 2010, 4:46pm Permalink

Yes there were.

I said no salaries were slashed or programs were cut. Most of those positions were attrition though, so it was not nearly as bad as it could have been.

That said, next year will be much worst.

Jul 9, 2010, 5:01pm Permalink
Mark Laman

I have family that teaches in Pembroke and my kids go to Pavillion. So it's really a double whammy for me. I may be mistaken about Batavia,(and I apologize if thats the case) but I am fairly certain that all districts in this area have been hit hard by the recession and you are correct, next year will be worse. I know 5 or 6 great teachers where cut from Pembroke and at least 2-3 from Pavillion. By salaries being slashed, I am referring to contract negotiations. Its amazing that if you are a teacher and you cross into Erie county your salary jumps 10- 20k. Now I understand Genesee has a smaller tax base and it makes sense that our districts can not compete with those larger districts. But what about the administrators. It looks like if they cross into Erie they would receive a pay decrease...

So with that said, why are our small districts shelling out huge amounts of cash to individuals who do less than superintendents in much larger districts.

Jul 9, 2010, 5:11pm Permalink
Ken Rumble

All the comments are correct. You cannot justify to me how those top three are worth that much. I have nothing against these people but cut the top three in half and they still make 100k! One of the reasons I stopped voting on school budgets years ago, they get what they want. Vote it down enough times they wave the "contingency flag" and it goes through anyway. As far as cuts go the population has come down, cuts only make sense.

Jul 10, 2010, 12:40pm Permalink
Jeremiah Pedro

This article and subsequent commenting has definitely increased my awareness.
You're absolutely correct Howard, participation is very important.

Jul 10, 2010, 6:08pm Permalink
Jacob Bell

Does anyone know what Dr. Stiener and the other upper crust, Dean and Assosiate Deans , make at GCC? It would seem his salary and the others should also be public knowledge due to the fact that tax dollars are used to fund the college. And if a business manager with a fancy title makes more than a college president that has been there since MOSES was a freshman, than he isn't to bright and maybe thats why he has never gone any farther in the SUNY system than GCC,

Jul 13, 2010, 8:06pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

If these administrators do their jobs, and do them well, I could understand compensating them. Three names on the list have failed miserbly in their job performance. They have cost the taxpayers of Genesee County a large sum of money due to their poor judgement and incompetant execution of their responsibilities.These costs to the taxpayers will rise far beyond the dollars that have already been wasted due to their failures. I have asked several times for a cost summary to no avail. Ironicly,they were forewarned of impending legal action that may result from their failure to follow provisions of both state and federal regulations, which they chose to ignore.It is of my opinion, these individuals should be required to pay the tab for their arrogant behavior regarding federal and state education laws.

Jul 16, 2010, 5:20pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

John,
I can't mention them by name, if I do,I may be charged by the family court for contempt, even though my complaint was found to be in my favor, the family court issued an order of protection on me, despite the fact that NYSED agreed with me. and the district involved received those findings today as well.I was told by the court I was part of the problem, and to stop blaming others. Apparently, a 4th person on the list doesn't understand why a complaint was filed, nor understand that when a failure occurs, it brings everything down with it.But if you really want the names, my phone # is in the phone book, it's the listing on Adams St.in Batavia.

Jul 16, 2010, 10:19pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

John, he lives in Bat avee ahhh! That should give you the info you seek. Frank, if I am wrong feel free to call me a maroon. I can take it!

Jul 17, 2010, 12:24am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Lorie, You are definately getting warmer,lol. No I won't call you a maroon, I save those words for deserving parties, if you get my drift,lol.

Jul 17, 2010, 12:48am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

John,
Hopefully, an appeal of the family court matter brought against my child.Beyond that, the negligent party(s) will be required by law, to do what should have been done several years ago.I have to be careful with my words, but lets just say, in my opinion, I was blamed,and admonished in family court because others failed, and continued to fail, to perform their jobs in accordance with state and federal education law. As an attorney I spoke with yesterday put it, its going to be quite the task untangling the mess.This is a long story of mistakes, missed opportunities, and in my opinion, a very corrupt court which allows prosecutors to openly lie on petitions, deny medical findings, and uses coercion to get its way. So to answer your question, I see future litigation once the court matters are settled for good. The negligent party(s) will have to pay my legal fees, and also a host of other fees for services from agencies deemed necessary through fact finding. I was forced to have the public defender represent my son, as I had been unemployed for so long, I did not have the resources to hire a real attorney. This is the only mistake I will take the blame for. This whole episode was a comedy of errors made by the very people who get paid to make sure this doesn't happen. Its a long story John, and one I would love to tell all the taxpayers of Genesee County, and the City of Batavia.

Jul 17, 2010, 12:33pm Permalink

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