After two years without a long-term superintendent, the Green Bay School Board unanimously approved a contract April 13 for its choice, current Appleton assistant superintendent Michael Hernandez.
Hernandez will make $230,000 in his first year of a two-year contract, which can be extended on a one-year basis. The contract begins July 1, although he can be paid per-day for up to 10 days of preparation time in June, provided he’s completed his duties for Appleton.
He’ll also receive a $10,000 retirement annuity contribution to the fund of his choice and relocation coverage, as the contract states that Hernandez “is not reasonably able to sell his current residence located outside the District area.” He’ll receive $500 per month to rent an apartment in Green Bay and, if he does move to Green Bay, he’ll receive $12,000 minus the amount already provided in rent stipends.
The School Board selected Hernandez for the position in early March after a monthslong search. He’ll take the role after a series of superintendents have come and gone, most recently Claude Tiller in 2024. Current Superintendent Vicki Bayer, who took over as interim when Tiller resigned and has held the role since, said she’ll retire this June.
What other benefits will Hernandez receive?
Hernandez will be eligible for the same health and dental insurance as other district employees, as well as a $400 monthly travel stipend. He’ll have access to short- and long-term disability plans. The district will pay into the Wisconsin Retirement System at the employer contribution rate, which in 2026 is 7.2% of the employee’s salary. For Hernandez, that’ll be about $16,500.
He’ll receive 30 sick days at the start of his contract and 12 new sick days annually; he can roll over up to 120 days. He’ll also be able to take up to two days of paid emergency leave each year, five professional leave days to visit other school districts or attend conferences, two personal leave days, up to five paid funeral leave days at a time and 20 vacation days annually.
The district will also pay for memberships in state and national organizations.
How much do other superintendents make?
Other Green Bay-area superintendents were paid between $175,000 and $195,000 in 2024-25, putting Green Bay at the top of the area by far.
However, as the third largest school district in Wisconsin, Green Bay is significantly bigger than its surrounding districts. Superintendents in similar-sized districts to GBAPS are often paid more.
Contact Green Bay education reporter Nadia Scharf at nscharf@usatodayco.com or on X at @nadiaascharf.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Here’s what Green Bay Schools’ new superintendent will make in his first year
Reporting by Nadia Scharf, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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