Several former area school superintendents topped the list of those collecting the biggest pensions among Kane County educators, according to a study released Tuesday by the Chicago-based organization, Taxpayers United Of America.

“Illinois is in horrible financial shape, and yet taxpayers are still expected to pour their hard-earned money into a failed government pension system,” Taxpayers United of America President Jim Tobin said in a news conference at Baymont Inn and Suites in North Aurora.

With an annual pension of $172,837, former Batavia school superintendent Ed Cave is ranked fourth on the list. According to the study, Cave has collected $984,531 to date.