Spurred by the high turnover of urban school chiefs, school boards are trying to lock in outstanding incumbents by offering "golden handcuff" provisions such as trust funds, extended contracts, and supplemental salary and housing benefits. A sidebar describes a Jackson (Mississippi) superintendent's $100,000 escrow account as a…

New superintendents should realize their school boards will not shatter the community's "psychic salary ceiling." In today's impecunious, politically charged atmosphere, boards often post a smaller salary up front and "hide" remuneration in benefits and deferred compensation. Superintendents must beware low-range salary offers…