Superintendent McDonough Proposes Reforms to Principal Salary Structure

Superintendent McDonough Proposes Reforms 

to Principal Salary Structure

Change will be latest in a push to close achievement gaps

BOSTON – Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent John McDonough on Friday announced a 

proposal to reform the salary structure for the district’s Principals and Headmasters, the latest in a 

number of initiatives ultimately aimed at closing achievement gaps for Black and Latino students. 

The new structure will allow Boston to compete for top talent and provide incentives to recognize and retain 

high performing school leaders.

In addition to raising base salaries for the first time in a decade, the proposal, which is a departure from 

traditional practices, ties annual pay increases to performance in leading district improvement efforts. 

Principals and headmasters who earn a proficient or exemplary rating qualify for a three or four percent increase. 

Those who rate proficient or better for five or more consecutive years receive bonuses intended to recognize their 

talent and to retain them in BPS.

"In order to give all of our students the opportunity to succeed, we must be able to attract the best and brightest 

talent to our schools," said Mayor Walsh. "This new structure will give us the tools to strengthen our schools and 

close the achievement gaps for our students."

Salaries for school leaders serving fewer than 800 students would begin at $122,000 whereas salaries for school

leaders serving more than 800 students would begin at $142,500.  Currently, the starting salary for a BPS school 

leader ranges between $105,000 and $120,000.

 “We know BPS is a great place for an educator to work and this proposal is worthy of our consideration as we 

work to ensure we are attracting the best talent possible,” said School Committee Vice Chairman Hardin Coleman.

"Attracting and retaining high quality school leaders is one of the conditions for school success," stated 

Superintendent John McDonough. "Getting incentives right so that we are true to our values, includes acknowledging 

the important role strong leaders play in the successful outcomes of students."

This initiative is the latest in a series of reforms led by Superintendent McDonough, including mutual consent hiring 

that allows principals and teacher candidates to decide together if a position at a specific school is a good fit; weighted 

student funding that allows funding to follow students where they choose to attend school; and extended learning time, 

giving students more time in class – the equivalent of an additional month of instruction.

The proposal is recommended for implementation starting next school year.