Fresno Ca. School Superintendent Quits Job Because He is Paid Too Much

He Is Not Unemployed, He was Rehired at 12% of His Old Salary

The Superintendent of the Fresno County school system makes, or rather was making about $288,000 a year.  Larry Powell decided that he has been paid enough in life and so he did the following.



Mr. Powell Will Use the Savings to
Fund His Favorite Education Projects



He technically retired, then agreed to be hired back to work for $31,000 a year — $10,000 less than a first-year teacher — and with no benefits.



Mr. Powell will give up over $800,000 in compensation before his term expires in 2015. 

“Our goal has never been to have things,” Powell said of himself and his wife, Dot. “We want to give back.”

Mr. Powell explained the rationale for his decision this way.


“These are tight budget times in California for public schools,” the 63-year-old Fresno County school superintendent said, noting over the past three years, his area has lost $1,600 to $1,900 in funding per student. “My wife and I thought, what can we do that might help change the dynamic in my particular area.”

As for what is to be done with the savings.

Because his salary comes out of the district’s discretionary budget, Powell will be able “to steer the money he is giving up where he wants: to programs for kindergarten and preschool, the arts and a pet project that steers B and C students into college by teaching them how to take notes and develop strategy skills.” As ABC’s David Wright notes, Powell’s $830,000 is enough to hire 20 new teachers, fund 16 pre-school classes, or pay for 11 art programs for the entire year.

Nicely done Mr. and Mrs. Powell.