Texas, December 14, 2025
Recent data has highlighted the highest-paid superintendents in Texas, with compensation packages surpassing previous records. Randall Meyer of the Victoria Independent School District leads with a salary of $565,047. The median salary for Texas superintendents stands at approximately $176,000, raising questions about educational funding and leadership effectiveness. This report provides an overview of superintendent salaries and the ongoing discussions regarding accountability and resource allocation in the education sector.
Highest-Paid Superintendents in Texas Revealed
Houston, Texas – Recent data has unveiled the highest-paid superintendents in Texas, highlighting significant compensation packages within the state’s educational leadership.
Top Earning Superintendents
The highest-paid superintendent in Texas is Victoria Independent School District’s Randall Meyer, who earned a base salary of $565,047 in his final year before retiring in August 2025. This figure surpasses the previous record held by Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s Mark Henry, who received a base salary of $536,775 before his retirement in December 2023. Other top-earning superintendents include:
- Barbers Hill ISD: $489,143
- Tomball ISD: $469,638
- Lake Travis ISD: $468,296
- Cypress-Fairbanks ISD: $458,908
- Garland ISD: $457,447
Statewide Salary Overview
According to the Texas Education Agency’s 2024-25 data, the median salary for full-time superintendents in Texas is approximately $176,000, which is about $100,000 more than the median household income in the state. The average base pay for the top 25 highest-paid superintendents is $407,739, a figure that exceeds the annual salary of the President of the United States. These salaries are exclusive of additional benefits such as bonuses, allowances, and other compensations.
Regional Highlights
In East Texas, the highest-paid superintendent is Tyler ISD’s Dr. Marty Crawford, with a base salary of $343,575. Other notable salaries in the region include:
- Mabank ISD: Dr. Russell Marshall – $285,000
- Lindale ISD: Stan Surratt – $281,943
- Longview ISD: Dr. Marla Sheppard – $275,000
- Whitehouse ISD: Dr. Casey Whittle – $247,203
- Chapel Hill ISD: Lamond Dean – $242,401
Public Perception and Accountability
The substantial salaries of these superintendents have sparked discussions regarding the allocation of educational funds and the transparency of compensation packages. Critics argue that such high salaries may not correlate with student performance or district needs, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational leadership compensation with student outcomes and community expectations.
Conclusion
The latest data on superintendent salaries in Texas underscores the significant financial commitments associated with educational leadership. As these figures continue to evolve, ongoing discussions about fiscal responsibility and educational effectiveness remain pertinent to stakeholders across the state.
What is the highest-paid superintendent in Texas?
The highest-paid superintendent in Texas is Randall Meyer of Victoria Independent School District, who earned a base salary of $565,047 in his final year before retiring in August 2025.
What is the median salary for superintendents in Texas?
The median salary for full-time superintendents in Texas is approximately $176,000, which is about $100,000 more than the median household income in the state.
How do superintendent salaries in Texas compare to other states?
Superintendent salaries in Texas vary widely, with the highest-paid earning over $500,000. This is comparable to or exceeds salaries in other large states, such as California and New York, where superintendents in large districts can earn between $400,000 and $500,000.
What factors influence superintendent salaries in Texas?
Factors influencing superintendent salaries in Texas include district size, student enrollment numbers, district performance, and regional economic conditions. Larger districts with higher student populations and greater financial resources often offer higher compensation packages.
Are superintendent salaries in Texas publicly disclosed?
Yes, superintendent salaries in Texas are publicly disclosed through the Texas Education Agency’s annual salary database, providing transparency regarding compensation for educational leaders.
Key Features of Superintendent Salaries in Texas
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest-Paid Superintendent | Randall Meyer of Victoria ISD – $565,047 base salary |
| Median Salary | Approximately $176,000 for full-time superintendents |
| Average Salary of Top 25 | $407,739 base pay |
| Regional Highlight | Tyler ISD’s Dr. Marty Crawford – $343,575 base salary |
| Public Perception | Debate over alignment of salaries with student performance and district needs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Judson ISD Faces Major Budget Cuts Impacting Schools
San Antonio School District Approves $541.1 Million Budget
Texas School Districts Struggle with Funding Challenges
Pay Raises Approved for San Antonio School Staff
New Leadership for South San Antonio Schools
New Leadership Appointed for South San Antonio Schools
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
