Perkiomen Valley superintendent among region’s top-paid school leaders, state data shows
Dr. Barbara Russell’s salary ranked above statewide average as longtime superintendent prepares for retirement
Perkiomen Valley Superintendent Dr. Barbara Russell ranked among the higher-paid school leaders in southeastern Pennsylvania during the 2025-26 school year, according to newly released Pennsylvania Department of Education salary data.
The report showed Russell earned $257,738 while leading the district, placing her well above Pennsylvania’s statewide average superintendent salary of approximately $177,226.
Russell, who announced plans to retire effective June 30, has spent roughly four decades in the Perkiomen Valley School District, beginning her career as a science teacher before eventually rising to superintendent. Her long tenure and leadership role helped place her among the region’s top earners in public education administration.
The state report also showed superintendent salaries across Bucks and Montgomery counties generally exceeded statewide averages. North Penn Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer ranked fourth statewide at $316,890, while Methacton Superintendent Dr. David Zerbe earned $257,813 and Souderton Superintendent Dr. Frank Gallagher earned $218,423.
Statewide, Pennsylvania’s nearly 500 public school superintendents collectively earned more than $88 million during the school year, according to the data.
