New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie continues to slash education spending, announcing last week that his administration will cap school superintendents pay at a maximum of $175,000. 

"In these difficult economic times, when fewer resources are available for our schools, it is not acceptable for superintendents in districts with fewer than 1,000 students to be paid salaries of $150,000 and greater," said Christie in a statement his office issued on Monday.

The proposal to cap salaries based on enrollment will impact superintendents when their current contracts expire.  

Superintendent salaries now average about $163,000, but exceed $200,000 in numerous districts, according to state data. The state's figures suggest that new limits could lead to pay cuts for 70 percent of superintendents once their existing contracts have expired. Osborne and nearly every other superintendent in Bergen, Essex, and Union counties will see a salary change due to the new ruling. 

The Caldwell-West Caldwell School District and the West Essex Regional School District both fall in the 1,501 to 3,000 enrollment category, which has a $165,000 salary cap. In North Caldwell, with approximately 670 students, the cap will be $135,000.

According to the new rules, all local superintendents will face a pay cut once their contracts expire.

However, superintendents are eligible to receive greater compensation based on performance measures, which dissolve after one year and must be reviewed by the Executive County Superintendents. Local districts develop the performance standards, which are based on achieving "key educational objectives," according to Acting Education Commissioner Elizabeth Hendricks.

The governor's executive action, which does not require legislative approval, will impact more than 360 superintendents throughout the state.

The rules take effect Feb. 7, 2011.

A district with up to 250 students has a maximum superintendent salary of           $120,000.

A district with 251 - 750 students has a maximum superintendent salary of $135,000.

A district with 751 - 1,500 students has a maximum superintendent salary of          $150,000.

A district with 1,501 - 3,000 students has a maximum superintendent salary of   $165,000.

A district with 3,001 - 10,000 students has a maximum superintendent salary of  $175,000.

Superintendent compensation in the sixteen districts with student enrollment over 10,000 would be subject to separate rules developed by the Department of Education.