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The Warren County School District board of directors unanimously approved a 1.7% salary adjustment for Superintendent Gary Weber during this week's regular board meeting, following public comments from residents who questioned the increase amid concerns about the district’s finances and academic performance.
The adjustment, recommended as a market adjustment based on Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) figures, is retroactive to July 1, 2026.
Before the board considered the measure, two residents addressed directors during the public comment portion of the meeting, expressing opposition to additional compensation for the superintendent.
One commenter urged the board to reject the increase, citing what he described as significant financial challenges, long-term debt and concerns about student academic performance throughout the district.
He also pointed to the recent property reassessment, which he said has placed additional financial pressure on Warren County property owners.
The resident also questioned the timing of a salary increase following the closure of two district schools, which, he stated, were closed as part of efforts to reduce expenses.
The salary adjustment was then brought before the directors with a motion made by John Wortman and a second by Daniel Sullivan.
During discussion, director Paul Mangione acknowledged concerns expressed by residents, but noted the school district is among Warren County’s top five employers.
The director argued that chief executive officers at other major employers could earn substantially more than the superintendent, suggesting Weber’s compensation could be considered below comparable positions.
"I think that, if anything, based on the scale of things, you could make the argument that he's underpaid," Mangione said.
The motion passed unanimously, with all seven directors present voting in favor.