Superintendent of Schools Jo Ann Magistro's new contract looks fine on the surface — $209,500, which we are told is in line with other districts of similar size.

However, when factoring in the 3.75- percent guaranteed annual salary increase plus the 2-percent annual performance increase, things look a little different.

My math shows the following salary increases: on July 1, 2009, $12,046, to $221,546; on July 1, 1010, $12,738, to $234,284; on July 1, 2011, $13,471, to $247,755; on July 1, 2012, $14,246, to $262,001. The $262,001 would then be the basis for a new contract or the basis for pension benefits if Dr. Magistro decides to retire.

This Board of Education is only concerned with the monetary happiness of the school-system employees. The plight of the taxpayers has always been, and will always be, secondary.
Robert G. Lennon
East Brunswick