The Virginian-Pilot
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NORFOLK
The division's new superintendent got a $200,000 salary, a $6,000-a-year car allowance and a paid membership to Town Point Club, among other things, when he took control of the school system last month.
Norfolk's superintendent is the only school division head in South Hampton Roads whose contract includes the perk of a private club membership with dues paid for by taxpayers.
Superintendent Richard Bentley's membership costs the division about $1,300 a year. His predecessor, Stephen C. Jones, also received the membership as part of his contract. Jones retired from the division in June.
A Virginian-Pilot story revealed last week that some city governments in South Hampton Roads pay for private club memberships for certain executives. Officials in the municipalities said the memberships help city representatives connect with business leaders in a more private setting. Typically, meeting rooms in other venues aren't of the same caliber, some city leaders said.
School Board Chairman Kirk Houston gave a different rationale for providing the Town Point membership to Norfolk superintendents.
"I simply saw it as a perk of the job," he said. "I truly think that when you hire persons at that level of responsibility, that you want to try to get some of the best in the business and want to offer them attractive packages."
Houston said the membership gives the superintendent a nice venue for business lunches and meetings.
"Those kinds of perks paid for by nonprofit organizations can always be questioned by individuals," Houston said, "but given the requirements of the job, the kind of time, energy and effort required in a job like superintendent, I certainly feel like it's affordable. It's a small perk to offer."
Houston said he doesn't know how long Norfolk superintendents have been provided memberships or what the original reasoning was for the benefit.
Under his contract, Bentley also receives 18 vacation days and $400,000 worth of term life insurance based on a 10-year term. He is also eligible for an incentive bonus based on his annual evaluation.
Bentley did not return a phone call seeking comment about the club membership.
Steven G. Vegh, (757) 446-2417, steven.vegh@pilotonline.com
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Fair compensation..
We "taxpayers" are VERY lucky that Dr. Bentley agreed to be superintendent of this school district. He is taking a HUGE risk which could either elevate his career or ruin it. His pay is reasonable bordering on the bargain of the decade considering the shape that Dr. Jones' tenure left the district in.
This man is charged with managing thousands of employees who are charged with educating tens of thousands of students. These young people are our future.
Could we please give Dr. Bentley 6 months to assess the situation and take action.
This is correct. You don't
This is correct. You don't understand his job. Don't rant just because you can. You could damage his reputation and in return cost the Norfolk Schools a valuable leader. Wait and see first.
Taxes?
Does he have to pay taxes on the car allowance and club membership the same as if they were paid as salary?
Now we're grasping
If this guy were paid $207,300 in salary, and used the money for the club membership, the Pilot might have overlooked the issue entirely. So if it's a perk in lieu of a higher salary, I say call it a wash.
people please! why all the hate?
why are you people whining about what this guy is getting as a part of his contract? Mr. Bentley has earned these great perks; he negotiated a fantastic contract, didn't settle for less and now he'll kick back and enjoy them, kudos bro-
his perks:private club
your perks:2 paid 15-minute breaks
don't hate...
He just got here...
and already folks are jumping all over him. The job is stressful and very high profile. I've met the man and he is enthusiastic, articulate, and focused on student success. I wish him the best of luck and hope that he uses the membership in good faith- to meet with business leaders and potential partners for the school system.
He appears to be a good guy. If he feels that the membership is not something that would benefit the office of Superintendent- let him make the call.
Deaf, dumb and blind
Our cities are all deaf, dumb and blind. In this economy with the funding shortages we have do they honestly believe these extravagent perks are ok? I dont care if it is part of their " total compensation package" the fact is that we cant afford these things!
I have an idea. Why not given them a competitive salary with a percentage of it in performance bonuses. And not the softball type but true stretch goals. Make them actually earn their money.
Keep digging VP. You have only scratched the surface. Does anyone wonder why each time their is a funding shortfall the first thing to go is a teacher, fireman or police officer. YOu never hear " well we have to cut 20 more admin assistants and eliminate 3 country club memberships and 7 take home cars "
Why?
We've had a teacher pay freeze for 3 years
Well I'm speechless,I can't believe this improper use of valuable education funds.
Investi - What?
If this is the best The Pilot can offer up as "investigative journalism," heaven help us. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this
"perk" for a person in this position.
Please "investigate" something of more importance.
This discussion is nuts and
This discussion is nuts and we wouldn't be having it if the city was paying these execs the $1300/yr extra in their salary. You need to realize it is a part of a "total compensation package." You make the job seem more attractive with a country club membership and car allowance than actually putting the money in the salary. Further, you can actually require them to use it for business and you end up with them working more hours while they are at the club on the "company dime." In the long run, it is way cheaper to add benefits like this to a compensation package that make the pot sweeter because the city won't pay retirement benefits or 401K contributions on non-monetary compensation. Other benefits based only on monetary compensation include employer taxes, i.e. Social Security and Medicare, and life insurance. This kind of thing is a great tool to attract executives and keep the cost down.