March 21st, 2019 by WCBC Radio

In February of 2017, the Allegany County Board of Education voted to retain the services of David Cox, superintendent of schools, for another four-year term. At the time the five-member board voted to extend Cox’s contract by a 3-1 vote with one member abstaining as a result of a conflict. While the vote and the new contract were approved in public session- no details were released. WCBC News has obtained a copy of the contract which shows a base salary- at the time of $171,700. On July 1 of each year, the annual salary is increased by a minimum of the equivalent of any COLA increases negotiated by the Board and the Education Association for its members. As a result, and a $1,200 a month car allowance which is counted as part of his salary, his current annual compensation is  $186,100. The contract also covers 100% of health insurance for Cox and his wife;. Cox’ salary places him 17th in the state among superintendents. Looking at a geographical comparison, Garrett County’s superintendent makes $141,000 a year- last in the state; while in Washington County, the top education spot has a salary of $247,500- good for sixth highest in Maryland. When comparing based on similar populations Cox’ salary is less than Calvert County ($205,000); but ahead of Worchester ($178,000).