Top 50 New England Boarding Schools Heads Average $420,000 in Compensation
GoLocalProv News Team with Kate Nagle and Abe Dube
Top 50 New England Boarding Schools Heads Average $420,000 in Compensation
The average compensation of the top 50 highest paid New England boarding schools heads of school is more than $420,000 annually, while the average student body of these 50 schools is just over 460 students.
GoLocal researched thousands of pages of federal tax data submitted to the IRS by each of the 99 boarding schools in New England. The schools reviewed have produced some of America’s most powerful and affluent leaders -- and maybe they should, as the schools average yearly tuition for boarders is $52,720. Choate Rosemary Hall claims grads such as Adlai Stevenson, President John F. Kennedy and actress Glenn Close. And Phillips Exeter’s alums include Mark Zuckerberg Founder and CEO, Facebook, and author Dan Brown of “The Da Vinci Code”.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe findings of the research disclosed that the salaries and compensation of boarding school headmasters and headmistresses is often above that of private colleges and universities that are four to ten times larger in student enrollment.
At Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, recently retired Tabor Headmaster Jay Stroud tallied a compensation package in excess of $822,000 in 2012 – the highest compensation of any of the New England Board School heads. Tabor has an annual tuition for boarders of $53,375 and enrolls 496 students. Famous Tabor grads include Reebok founder Paul Fireman, former Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun and former Boston Mayor Kevin White.
In explaining the compensation, Tabor's Chief Financial Officer Chris Winslow said, ""I think you've seen board members at schools take on increased fiduciary responsibilities for managing a non-profit. Managing resources is of critical importance, and reducing costs where we can is critical. The more money we can save from overhead costs, the more we can put into the school," said Winslow. "Our tuition increase was less this year than it was the previous year."
According to Winslow part of Stroud's $822,000 package included a one-time payment from a non-qualified retirement fund. Since his departure the school has done away with that form of retirement funding and the present headmaster participates in a defined contribution plan. It should be noted Winslow joined Tabor after Stroud's departure.
"I think for boarding schools, it's not just the education piece, it's the social piece, athletics, facilities, food -- there's a lot to look after and oversee. Some of these boarding schools have campuses that rival any college," said Renee Goldberg, who is an education consultant with Options in Ed in Worcester, MA.
New England boarding schools are idyllic places that claim to inspire the best and brightest. Northfield Mount Herman in Northfield, Massachusetts describes its value as an institution, “After Northfield Mount Herman, students move on to college—including some of the finest in the nation—and into the world with academic confidence and, again, a sense of purpose. They are curious, inspired, motivated. They are ready.”
Maybe the most surprising is that four New England Boarding Schools headmasters receive annual compensation in 2012 of more than $600,000 and the highest annual salary. After Tabor Academy’s Headmaster, Northfield Mount Herman came in second in total compensation of $703,217.
Boarding School Salaries v College President Salaries
To put Tabor's Stroud’s compensation in perspective, the boarding school Headmasters and Mistresses often earn more than the presidents of many of America’s top colleges. Forbes magazine reports that the median total compensation for 2011 of college presidents was $410,523, a 3.2% increase over 2010.
David Angel, the President of Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts earned just over $300,000 in 2012 to lead a University that enrolls 2,300 undergrads and 1,100 graduate students.
The personal financial guidance publication Kiplinger’s writes, “The latest numbers from the IRS—based on data from 2011 tax returns—show what it takes to be among the top 1% of income earners: adjusted gross income of $388,905 or more.” According to IRS data, 28 of the New England headmasters and headmistresses qualify as America's 1%.
At each of the institutions, the Board of Trustees decides the salary and compensation of the headmasters and headmistresses. Board members of these boarding schools are a veritable who’s who wealth and privilege. Board of Trustee members are managing partners at investment banking firms such as Goldman Sachs to major media companies to leaders in the entertainment industry. The Boards are made up often many of America’s most wealthy and powerful. Former President George H.W. Bush is a former member of Philips Andover’s Charter Trustees and served actively from 1967 to 1979 – up until he became Vice President of the United States.
“It is the responsibility of Boards of Trustees to set appropriate compensation for the head of school. In doing so, boards will take into account myriad factors, but the major factors will be the head’s success in furthering the mission and strategic plan of the school, the head’s success in meeting the annual goals defined in conjunction with the Board, and the compensation package of the heads of comparable schools,” said Steve Clem, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools in New England in Braintree, MA.
Many of the members of the board of trustees are alumni of the respective school and many are parents of students attending the schools. And, in some cases the headmasters or headmistresses are graduates of the institutions that they are now leading. It is a cozy relationship between headmaster and boards.
“Boards take very seriously their obligations with regard to executive compensation and will often conduct a formal salary study to ensure that the head's compensation is in line with that of her peers. Boards certainly understand that a strong, appropriate compensation package helps to attract and retain effective leaders,” said Clem.
When Northfield Mount Hermon Head of School, Peter B. Fayroian was asked about his predecessor he wrote in an email to GoLocal, “...please know that I couldn't comment upon my predecessor's compensation and its rationale for obvious reasons. I might remind you, though, that the total compensation number of many heads in the final year at her or his school often includes years of accumulated deferred compensation; just an FYI.”
As for the head of school compensation, Options in Ed's Goldberg said, "It's ultimately the boards' decisions, but it doesn't bother me at all. I think education is important, and I think people in education should get paid as much or more than people in other fields, such as athletes."
Editor's Note: GoLocal previously reported that Robert and Ted Kennedy attended Phillips Exeter Academy, instead of Milton Academy.
New England Top Boarding Schools' Heads Make Mega Salaries
#50
Headmistress: Susan Graham
Total Compensation: $279,201
School: The Gunnery
Number of Students: 298
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Washington, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,200
Tuition Day Students: $38,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Susan Graham retired in June 2012. Her successor was Peter W.E. Becker who took over in July 2012.
#49
Headmaster: Thomas W. Farmen
Total Compensation: $282,671
School: Rumsey Hall School
Number of Students: 326
Grades: 5-9
Location: Washington Depot, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,465
Tuition Day Students: $24,190
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#48
Headmaster: Andrew C. Chase
Total Compensation: $283,335
School: Eaglebrook School
Number of Students: 252
Grades: 6-9, All Boys
Location: Deerfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $56,250
Tuition Day Students: $34,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#47
Headmaster: Phillip Peck
Total Compensation: $290,400
School: Holderness School
Number of Students: 280
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Plymouth, NH
Tuition Boarders: $54,100
Tuition Day Students: $34,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#46
Headmaster: Dr. Jerry Larson
Total Compensation: $291,629
School: Cheshire Academy
Number of Students: 352
Grades: 8-12, PG
Location: Cheshire, CT
Tuition Boarders: $47,840
Tuition Day Students: $33,490
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#45
Headmaster: John Warren
Total Compensation: $294,137
School: St. Mark's School
Number of Students: 356
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Southborough, MA
Tuition Boarders: $50,975
Tuition Day Students: $40,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#44
Headmaster: Robert Hill
Total Compensation: $307,300
School: The Williston Northampton School
Number of Students: 460
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Easthampton, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,900
Tuition Day Students: $35,900
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#43
Headmaster: Andrew Menke
Total Compensation: $307,320
School: New Hampton School
Number of Students: 310
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: New Hampton, NH
Tuition Boarders: $53,700
Tuition Day Students: $32,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#42
Headmaster: Bradford Hastings
Total Compensation: $308,140
School: Pomfret School
Number of Students: 357
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Pomfret, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,175
Tuition Day Students: $33,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Bradford Hastings retired in June 2011. His successor was Tim Richards who took over in July 2011.
#41
Headmaster: Chisholm S. Chandler
Total Compensation: $314,145
School: Salisbury School
Number of Students: 305
Grades: 9-12, PG, All Boys
Location: Salisbury, CT
Tuition Boarders: $53,700
Tuition Day Students: $43,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#40
Headmaster: Mark A Devey
Total Compensation: $322,320
School: Indian Mountain School
Number of Students: 260
Grades: 6-9
Location: Lakeville, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,000
Tuition Day Students: $27,400
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#39
Headmaster: Dexter P. Morse
Total Compensation: $323,754
School: Worcester Academy
Number of Students: 645
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Worcester, MA
Tuition Boarders: $55,598
Tuition Day Students: $31,574
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Dexter Morse retired in June 2012. His successor was Ronald M. Cino who took over in July 2012.
#38
Headmaster: Rick Hardy
Total Compensation: $327,595
School: Concord Academy
Number of Students: 370
Grades: 9-12
Location: Concord, MA
Tuition Boarders: $48,050
Tuition Day Students: $38,850
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#37
Headmaster: John Doggett
Total Compensation: $327,628
School: The Governor's Academy
Number of Students: 398
Grades: 9-12
Location: Byfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $50,900
Tuition Day Students: $40,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
John Doggett retired in June 2011. His successor was Peter H. Quimby who took over in July 2011.
#36
Headmaster: Tom Lovett
Total Compensation: $331,733
School: St. Johnsbury Academy
Number of Students: 950
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: St. Johnsbury, VT
Tuition Boarders: $49,300
Tuition Day Students: $15,750
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#35
Headmistress: Caroline Erisman
Total Compensation: $333,746
School: Dana Hall School
Number of Students: 445
Grades: 9-12, All Girls
Location: Wellesley, MA
Tuition Boarders: $54,980
Tuition Day Students: $41,250
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#34
Headmaster: Robert Broudo
Total Compensation: $334,967
School: Landmark School
Number of Students: 450
Grades: 9-12
Location: Prides Crossing, MA
Tuition Boarders: $67,600
Tuition Day Students: $51,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#33
Headmistress: Elizabeth Cromwell Speers
Total Compensation: $336,321
School: The Ethel Walker School
Number of Students: 258
Grades: 9-12, PG, All Girls
Location: Simsbury, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,300
Tuition Day Students: $33,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#32
Headmaster: Mike J. Maher
Total Compensation: $342,809
School: Berkshire School
Number of Students: 391
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Sheffield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,150
Tuition Day Students: $42,150
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Mike Maher retired in April 2013. His successor was Pierter Mulder who took over in May 2013.
#31
Headmaster: Bill Phillip
Total Compensation: $342,827
School: Westminster School
Number of Students: 390
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Simsbury, CT
Tuition Boarders: $54,000
Tuition Day Students: $40,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#30
Headmistress: Margaret Joblonski
Total Compensation: $345,112
School: Miss Hall's School
Number of Students: 206
Grades: 9-12, PG, All Girls
Location: Pittsfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $51,970
Tuition Day Students: $31,825
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#29
Headmaster: Carl Stasio Jr.
Total Compensation: $378,717
School: Thornton Academy
Number of Students: 1500
Grades: 9-12
Location: Saco, ME
Tuition Boarders: $42,000
Tuition Day Students: $12,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Carl Stasio Jr. retired in July 2012. His successor was Rene Menard who took over in July 2012.
#28
Headmaster: Dr. Michael E. Cooper
Total Compensation: $394,784
School: Brewster Academy
Number of Students: 358
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Tuition Boarders: $51,400
Tuition Day Students: $31,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#27
Headmistress: Kathleen Carroll Giles
Total Compensation: $396,379
School: Middlesex School
Number of Students: 375
Grades: 9-12
Location: Concord, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,300
Tuition Day Students: $41,800
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#26
Headmaster: Eric F. Peterson
Total Compensation: $411,197
School: St. George's School
Number of Students: 364
Grades: 9-12
Location: Newport, RI
Tuition Boarders: $54,100
Tuition Day Students: $37,200
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#25
Headmaster: James Tracy
Total Compensation: $412,350
School: Cushing Academy
Number of Students: 445
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Ashburnham, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,700
Tuition Day Students: $38,450
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
James Tracy retired in June 2013. His successor was Christopher Torino who took over in July 2013.
#24
Headmaster: Rodney LaBrecque
Total Compensation: $416,663
School: Wilbraham & Monson Academy
Number of Students: 431
Grades: 8-12, PG
Location: Wilbraham, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,985
Tuition Day Students: $35,640
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#23
Headmaster: Rob Gustavson
Total Compensation: $419,035
School: Fay School
Number of Students: 450
Grades: 7-9
Location: Southborough, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,300
Tuition Day Students: $31,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#22
Headmaster: Kenneth LaRocque
Total Compensation: $430,974
School: Avon Old Farms School
Number of Students: 409
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Avon, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,450
Tuition Day Students: $38,150
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#21
Headmaster: Richardson W. Schell
Total Compensation: $435,895
School: Kent School
Number of Students: 560
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Kent, CT
Tuition Boarders: $54,300
Tuition Day Students: $42,600
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#20
Headmaster: William R. MacMullen
Total Compensation: $437,669
School: The Taft School
Number of Students: 576
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Watertown, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,300
Tuition Day Students: $37,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#19
Headmaster: Thomas Sheehy
Total Compensation: $437,751
School: Canterbury School
Number of Students: 350
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: New Milford, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,900
Tuition Day Students: $40,600
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#18
Headmaster: Thomas E. Hassan
Total Compensation: $443,252
School: Phillips Exeter Academy
Number of Students: 1085
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Exeter, NH
Tuition Boarders: $46,905
Tuition Day Students: $36,430
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#17
Headmaster: David Beecher
Total Compensation: $443,803
School: Hillside School
Number of Students: 140
Grades: 5-9, All Boys
Location: Marlborough, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,300
Tuition Day Students: $31,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#16
Headmistress: Shelia Culbert
Total Compensation: $447,522
School: The Loomis Chaffee School
Number of Students: 650
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Windsor, CT
Tuition Boarders: $53,750
Tuition Day Students: $40,780
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#15
Headmaster: Michael J. Schafer
Total Compensation: $457,952
School: Kimball Union Academy
Number of Students: 324
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Meriden, NH
Tuition Boarders: $51,250
Tuition Day Students: $31,050
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#14
Headmaster: Michael G. Hirschfeld
Total Compensation: $462,942
School: St. Paul's School
Number of Students: 542
Grades: 9-12
Location: Concord, NH
Tuition Boarders: $50,180
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#13
Headmaster: James R. Clements
Total Compensation: $469,449
School: Tilton School
Number of Students: 225
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Tilton, NH
Tuition Boarders: $52,500
Tuition Day Students: $30,100
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
James Clements retired in June 2012. His successor was Peter C. Saliba who took over in October 2012.
#12
Headmaster: Peter J. McDonald
Total Compensation: $470,022
School: Eagle Hill School
Number of Students: 204
Grades: 8-12
Location: Hardwick, MA
Tuition Boarders: $82,835
Tuition Day Students: $62,725
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#11
Headmaster: Malcolm McKenzie
Total Compensation: $481,907
School: The Hotchkiss School
Number of Students: 594
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Lakeville, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,430
Tuition Day Students: $44,575
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Malcolm McKenzie stepped down in June 2013. His successor was Dr. Kevin M. Hicks who took over in July 2013.
#10
Headmistress: Katherine G. Windsor
Total Compensation: $517,373
School: Miss Porter's School
Number of Students: 311
Grades: 9-12, All Girls
Location: Farmington, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,455
Tuition Day Students: $40,245
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#9
Headmaster: Alex Curtis
Total Compensation: $537,310
School: Choate Rosemary Hall
Number of Students: 856
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Wallingford, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,950
Tuition Day Students: $40,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#8
Headmistress: Margarita Curtis
Total Compensation: $555,823
School: Deerfield Academy
Number of Students: 467
Grades: 9-12
Location: Deerfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,615
Tuition Day Students: $37,685
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#7
Headmaster: Richard B. Commons
Total Compensation: $576,698
School: Groton School
Number of Students: 371
Grades: 8-12
Location: Groton, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,870
Tuition Day Students: $41,960
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Richard Commons resigned in June 2013. His successor was Temba Maqubela who took over in July 2013.
#6
Headmistress: Barbara L. Chase
Total Compensation: $579,042
School: Phillips Academy Andover
Number of Students: 1141
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Andover, MA
Tuition Boarders: $48,850
Tuition Day Students: $38,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Barbara Chase retired in June 2012. Her successor was John Palfrey who took over in July 2012.
#5
Headmaster: Robert Henderson
Total Compensation: $581,493
School: Noble and Greenough
Number of Students: 300
Grades: 7-12
Location: Dedham, MA
Tuition Boarders: $46,700
Tuition Day Students: $40,900
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#4
Headmaster: Todd B. Bland
Total Compensation: $635,392
School: Milton Academy
Number of Students: 680
Grades: 9-12
Location: Milton, MA
Tuition Boarders: $49,400
Tuition Day Students: $40,550
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#3
Headmaster: Charles Cahn III
Total Compensation: $664,679
School: Suffield Academy
Number of Students: 414
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Suffield, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,800
Tuition Day Students: $35,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#2
Headmaster: Thomas K. Sturtevant
Total Compensation: $703,217
School: Northfield Mount Hermon
Number of Students: 650
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Mount Hermon, MA
Tuition Boarders: $54,700
Tuition Day Students: $37,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Thomas Sturtevant resigned in June 2011. His successor was Peter B. Fayroian who took over in July 2011.
#1
Headmaster: Jay S. Stroud
Total Compensation: $822,011
School: Tabor Academy
Number of Students: 496
Grades: 9-12
Location: Marion, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,375
Tuition Day Students: $38,250
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Jay S. Stroud retired in June 2012. His successor was John H. Quirk Jr. who took over in July 2012.
