This information was taken from a Union Leader article from November 22, 2007

Mayor: Ex-superintendent hiked his own pay

Michael Ludwell gave himself a 2 percent pay raise this summer without the school board’s authorization, a revelation that prompted his abrupt resignation Monday night, Mayor Frank Guinta said yesterday.

Ludwell collected about $1,000 in unauthorized pay before Guinta and School Board Vice Chair Leslee Stewart confronted him Monday, the mayor said. He has agreed to refund the district in full by Dec. 31, (2007) when his resignation takes effect.

“What has occurred is a violation of the public’s trust,” Guinta said.

Ludwell was recently hired in Northwood at $450 per day.