Governor Christie is continuing his education budget busting, announcing that his administration is moving forward with plans to cap school superintendents' pay to a maximum of $175,000.

"In these difficult economic times, when fewer resources are available for our schools, it is not acceptable for superintendents in districts with fewer than 1,000 students to be paid salaries of $150,000 and greater," said Governor Christie in a statement his office issued on Monday.

The proposal to cap salaries will only impact superintendents when their contracts are up. Bruce Watson, superintendent of the Fair Lawn School District, signed a five-year contract in 2007. His base salary is $226,685 and he'll receive that annual amount through June of 2012.

With Fair Lawn's 4,800 students, Watson (or anyone else who is superintendent for the school district) would be eligible to make $165,000 and an additional $2,500 because the district has a high school. Compensation packages also could not combine to exceed the total cap allotment.

However, superintendents are eligible to receive greater compensation based on a series of performance measures, which dissolve after one year and must be reviewed by the Executive County Superintendents. Local districts can develop the performance standards, which must be based on achieving "key educational objectives," according to Acting Education Commissioner Elizabeth Hendricks.

All told, the governor's executive action, which does not require legislative approval, will impact more than 360 school superintendents throughout the state.

The rules take effect February 7, 2011.