James Garwood, Former Superintendent | Skokie School District 68
James Garwood, Former Superintendent | Skokie School District 68
Skokie SD 68 school district is under scrutiny as its former superintendent, James Garwood receives a significant salary increase despite low student performance metrics.
James Garwood’s total compensation, base salary plus benefits and retirement enhancements is $337,939.
That's according to an analysis of Illinois school superintendent salaries by Wirepoints.
This decision comes amid concerns about the district's academic outcomes and financial management.
James Garwood’s salary has increased by $33,000, according to Wirepoints. The raise highlights issues in Illinois' education system, including high property taxes and pension liabilities.
"The near-$500,000 salary being doled out to a superintendent in a failing school district captures the absurdity that is Illinois governance," said Ted Dabrowski.
According to data from the Illinois Report Card and the Illinois State Board of Education, only 30% of students in Skokie SD 68 are proficient in math, while 37% read at grade level.
Chronic absenteeism among students stands at 47%, with 69% of teachers absent for more than ten days.
Dabrowski criticized the lack of accountability and called for reforms: "Nothing will change until we reject the malgovernance and then replace it with something more normal."
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