SALARY CAP THAT FORCED OUT SUPE MAY END

The state superintendent salary cap that drove former South Orange Maplewood superintendent Brian Osborne to get a higher-paying job -- and may limit the current superintendent search to replace him -- may be on the way out.

The state Senate Budget Committee on Monday approved legislation that would eliminate the salary cap that currently limits annual superintendent paychecks to $175,000.

The restriction, in place since 2011, reduced Osborne's salary from $225,000 to $175,000 in his final year. He left last summer for a job in New Rochelle, N.Y., that pays $265,000.

The new legislation is expected to reach Gov. Chris Christie's desk by June.