Dearest Readers,
Lady Budgetdown has now reviewed Troy School District's 2024–27 teacher agreement and administrative handbook.
Not to manufacture a rivalry.
Not to declare one job "worth more" than another.
Simply to place the contracts side by side and show what they actually provide.
For 2025–26, Troy's teacher salary schedule ranges from $46,083 for a beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree to $104,572 for a top-step teacher with a doctorate. With maximum longevity, a veteran teacher could reach approximately $113,276 before coaching, clubs, mentoring or other extra-duty pay.
Teachers work a 182-day contractual calendar, receive 14 annual leave days, may use four for personal business, and can accumulate unused leave without a stated maximum. Teacher longevity becomes increasingly significant after 15, 20 and 25 years of service.
Administrator salaries vary by position. In 2025–26:
Assistant principals range from roughly $97,000 to $131,000
Elementary principals reach approximately $132,000
Middle school principals reach approximately $135,000
High school principals reach approximately $148,000
Directors reach approximately $142,000
Assistant superintendents reach approximately $176,000
The superintendent schedule extends considerably higher.
Administrators generally work between 208 and 225 days, depending on position. They also receive separately identified vacation, holiday and non-work days.
But salary is only part of the picture.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Troy provides administrators with a Board-paid annuity equal to 6% of actual salary. Administrator longevity reaches $2,000 after 20 years, and certain advanced degrees qualify for annual stipends of $2,300 or $4,000.
Administrators also receive life insurance equal to three times earnings, subject to a $500,000 maximum, while the superintendent's maximum is $1 million. The teacher agreement limits most teachers hired after 1991 to $50,000 in life and accidental-death coverage.
For extended illness, administrators receive up to 180 calendar days of income protection before long-term disability. Teachers rely on accumulated leave and long-term disability beginning after 60 calendar days.
And upon retirement, eligible administrators may receive severance payments ranging from $30,000 to $35,000, depending on years of service.
The contracts do not tell a one-sided story.
Teachers receive stronger long-term longevity, clearly defined annual leave, unlimited leave accumulation and substantial salary growth through education lanes.
Administrators receive longer work calendars, but also a 6% annuity, larger life insurance, extended income protection, education stipends and significant retirement severance.
Different jobs.
Different responsibilities.
Different contracts.
Lady Budgetdown's role is not to tell readers what to think.
Only to make certain they know what the contracts say.
Make of the information what you will.
— Lady Budgetdown
The receipts remain undefeated.