Why are superintendents resigning?

Superintendents are resigning due to intense political polarization, culture war debates (race, LGBTQ+ issues, book bans), pandemic fallout (masks, learning loss), increased stress, longer hours, and threats, leading to burnout and clashes with new school boards, making the job highly volatile despite high demand and pay. Many feel worn out by constant controversy and a lack of alignment with evolving board priorities, prompting them to leave for less stressful roles or early retirement.

Why are superintendents leaving?

The number of California school superintendents quitting or retiring is escalating, despite increased salaries and benefits. Among the reasons for leaving: Stress, polarized politics and threats stemming from pandemic school closures. Some are being pushed out by newly elected school board majorities.

Who is the highest paid superintendent in South Carolina?

In fact, only two superintendents — Charter Institute at Erskine CEO Cameron Runyan, the highest-paid K-12 public school superintendent in South Carolina, and Greenville County Superintendent William Royster — make more than Newsome. Both oversee districts with dozens of schools and tens of thousands of students.

Do superintendents make more than principals?

Yes, superintendents generally make significantly more than principals, as they are the top-level administrators overseeing entire school districts, while principals manage individual schools, with pay gaps widening in larger districts with bigger budgets and more students, though specific salaries vary greatly by location and district size. 

Is a superintendent a stressful job?

Key Findings

Large-district superintendents continued to mark the intrusion of political issues and opinions as the most common source of stress in their jobs. Despite improvements in stressors, small-district superintendents posted a decline in positive feelings about their jobs from 2024 to 2025.

Superintendent resigns

What state has the highest paid superintendent?

Highest Paying States

• California. $113,989 Yearly.
• North Carolina. $111,031 Yearly.
• New Jersey. $108,993 Yearly.
• Massachusetts. $108,864 Yearly.
• Washington. $108,441 Yearly.

What doctor makes $500,000 a year?

Doctors in surgical and high-demand procedural specialties frequently earn over $500,000 annually, with top earners often being Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Cardiology, and Thoracic Surgery, driven by complex skills, high demand (especially with aging populations), and lucrative elective procedures or emergency needs. Other fields like Radiology, Gastroenterology, Urology, and Anesthesiology also see average incomes exceeding this threshold.
 

What is the #1 high school in SC?

The #1 high school in South Carolina depends on the ranking source, but prominent contenders are the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), often cited by Niche and others for public schools, and Aiken Scholars Academy, noted by U.S. News & World Report for its strong college readiness. Both are highly selective, specialized schools focusing on STEM and advanced academics, with GSSM being a state-run residential school and Aiken Scholars Academy a magnet program. 

How to make $100,000 a year without a degree?

You can earn $100k a year without a degree by pursuing skilled trades (electrician, plumber), tech roles (software developer, cybersecurity), sales (tech, insurance), or specialized positions like air traffic controller or elevator mechanic, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and building practical experience to qualify for high-paying, in-demand roles. 

What is Lance Hindt's current job?

In July 2016, Lance Hindt was appointed to a 5-year term as superintendent of the Katy Independent School District (ISD). It was a triumphant moment for Hindt, one that saw him come back to his hometown to head one of the largest school districts in Texas.

Why did Paul Norton resign?

LAKE TRAVIS, Texas — Lake Travis ISD's school board accepts the resignation of Superintendent Paul Norton. This comes after a misconduct complaint filed in December, which the district says did not involve students or finances. Norton had been on administrative leave while a third party investigated.

What is the best high school in Katy ISD?

Seven Lakes High School, Tompkins High School, Cinco Ranch High School, Jordan High School, and Taylor High School are consistently ranked among the best in Katy ISD by sources like U.S. News & World Report and Niche, known for strong academics, high test scores, and college readiness, with Seven Lakes often cited as the top choice for its rigorous AP/Dual Credit programs.
 

Why are teachers quitting in 2025?

Lack of resources and preparation, low pay and working conditions such as issues with student behavior are the top reasons why nearly 70% of early-career teachers are on their way out of the classroom, according to a new survey from the Center for American Progress.

What age do superintendents retire?

As Riley's piece explained, superintendents are eligible to retire after 30 years of service in the profession or after their years of service plus their age equal 80. This means that someone who starts teaching right out of college could be eligible for retirement by their mid-50s.

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a principle that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should do 70% of the talking/practice and teachers 30% of direct instruction, or that teachers plan 70% for activities and 30% for content, promoting deeper engagement and skill development over passive reception, particularly in language learning. 

Why does SC rank so low in education?

South Carolina's low education rankings stem from chronic underfunding, poverty, and significant teacher shortages, leading to large class sizes, outdated materials, high teacher turnover (especially in high-poverty areas), and racial funding inequities, all contributing to lower student achievement, particularly in math and reading. Issues with funding models, lack of resources in poorer districts, and challenges retaining quality educators compound these systemic problems, despite recent reform efforts. 

What is the hardest school to get into in SC?

The hardest schools to get into in South Carolina generally include Clemson University, known for its competitive admissions, and smaller, highly selective liberal arts colleges like Furman University and Wofford College, with The Citadel also noted for its selectivity due to its military focus. While acceptance rates fluctuate, Clemson and Furman are consistently mentioned as top contenders for difficulty, alongside The Citadel's unique requirements, with rates often below 50%.
 

What is the lowest paid doctor?

The lowest-paid doctor specialties consistently fall in primary care and certain pediatric subspecialties, with Pediatrics often cited as the lowest overall, followed by Public Health/Preventive Medicine, Family Medicine, and pediatric subspecialties like Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases. These roles offer lower compensation than surgical or high-demand adult specialties, often due to the broad nature of primary care and the focus on children's health, though they provide excellent work-life balance for many.
 

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

Jobs paying $300,000 or more in the U.S. are typically senior roles in technology, finance, law, and medicine, including roles like CEOs, Chief Technology Officers, Investment Bankers, Partner-Level Lawyers, Surgeons, and Specialized Physicians, along with top-tier Sales Directors, Management Consultants, and Private Equity Executives, often relying on bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing for high earnings. High-income careers without traditional degrees can also be found in tech entrepreneurship, high-level skilled trades, and top-performing sales. 

Is the average doctor a millionaire?

One-quarter of doctors in their 60s are not even millionaires. The chart from the prior year was even more stunning, as it showed 11%-12% of doctors in their 60s didn't even have a net worth over $500,000, and only 48% of doctors over 65 were multi-millionaires.

Where do teachers make 6 figures?

CA pays decent, both median and average are ~$100k. State max is over $200k - and if you include benefits and pension contributions, there are California teachers making over $300k total compensation. Fun facts: California education spending is 25th in the nation. 25th.

What degree do most superintendents get?

What Degree do you need to Become a School Superintendent. A bachelor's degree in education is the most common starting point for a superintendent. Because becoming a superintendent often begins with a career in teaching, and it almost always requires a graduate degree related to high-level administration.

Can you make $100,000 as a teacher?

Yes, teachers can make $100k, but it usually requires many years of experience, advanced degrees, working in high-paying districts (often in expensive states like California or New York), and taking on extra roles like coaching or leading extracurriculars; it's not typical for new teachers but achievable for veterans or those in specific high-demand areas or roles.