A few months ago Rep. Justo Quitugua made the outrageous comment about the principals making the "big bucks." I took exception on behalf of people like Boni, and even my own administrators, Pete Le'au and Craig Garrison, who put in an enormous amount of time to make the school run properly.
Principals here make between 50 and 60 thousand per annum for twelve months, only a small amount more than some teachers -- and with a lot more responsiblity. The principal's salary is about half of what that job pays in the states. Teachers by contrast make a minimum of about 32,000 up to $47,000. For teachers in the first ten years of their career, the salary is competitive. In places like New York City, a highly experienced teacher can make upwards of $100,000. This is not the norm by the way. I spent some time looking at salary guides and the CNMI for my particular situation is better than a lot of states, especially in the Southeast.
I take a risk here. There should be a risk premium. No school in the states is having a debate on whether they'll have funding to open. Schools in the states also offer stipends for all types of activities that don't exist here. But overall, teacher salaries aren't terrible these days. Principals are getting a raw deal, however. Don't move up the ladder here.
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This week marks the eleventh year I've had my dog. With an investment in veterinary care, an animal can live long and prosper, not to mention they offer all types of life enriching experiences. People say all these things about dogs being loyal, but I don't actually buy that. I had this dog for eight years, just her and me, but she is now more attached to my wife and ten year old. I don't begrudge that, though. She teaches my son about responsibilty, care and love, and she's still one sweet, spoiled, old cutie.
