NY officials defend schools chief Betty Rosa’s $155K hush-hush raise by citing her sex, race
Education officials said New York schools chief Betty Rosa deserved a $155,000 raise because women of color “have historically been subjected to lower compensation rates compared with their peers.”.
The Board of Regents bizarre justification for the massive bump came after the bombshell revelation Rosa was quietly boosted to a whopping $489,000 salary as State Education Department commissioner and board chairwoman — on top of a $120,000 pension she receives as a retired Bronx principal and superintendent.
“In this moral moment, it is imperative to recognize that female leaders, particularly those of color, have historically been subjected to lower compensation rates compared with their peers,” Chancellor Lester Young wrote on behalf of the 15-member board in the statement.
“It is disheartening to witness the persistence of these unfair standards.”
Young said Rosa, who is the first Latina woman to serve in the position, had the unanimous support of the board and that her contribution to the role has been “invaluable.”
“The Board of Regents adhered to all required procedures, protocols, and notifications in adopting the recent pay increase for Commissioner Rosa – an increase that reflects both the magnitude of the challenges that New York’s school communities encounter and the Board’s continued confidence in Dr. Rosa’s ability to address these challenges effectively,” he added.
Katy Delgado, a spokesperson for the 22 member NYS Senate Republican conference, lashed out at the statement.
“New Yorkers with common sense, regardless of their political affiliation, know irresponsible spending when they see it,” she said.
“Using the issue of race to distract from the failures of the Department of Education under Commissioner Rosa’s tenure is the very definition of gaslighting.”
Conservative politicians previously pointed out that the raise came as New York schoolkids’ test scores continue to lag behind national averages.
Rosa should be “judged on the merits of her performance and the performance of students under her supervision,” Delgado said, adding that conflating race and gender into the decision-making process is “embarrassing.”
In a letter written to Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt obtained by The Post, Young also said part of Rosa’s $155,000 salary hike wasn’t at their discretion and was authorized by the State Comptroller due to a change in New York’s tiered payscale.
Young said the board was only responsible for $130,000 of the whopping sum that catapulted Rosa’s annual haul.
Young also said in the letter he would “not engage with the unfounded claim that the Department’s policies are failing to improve test scores for New York’s children.”
“Comparing the performance of New York’s students to that of Florida does not provide a valid analysis suitable for public discussion,” Young said.
“While I acknowledge that there is always room for growth and improvement, I take great pride in the significant strides this Board and Department have made over the past several years,” Young added.
“It is disheartening that this esteemed body has opted to single out one of the most accomplished and highly regarded Latina leaders, ostensibly to critique perceived abuses of taxpayer funds.”
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