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August 11, 2011 in City
Coaches lead state’s payroll
Governor ranks 955th with salary of $166,890
Steve Sarkisian
(Full-size photo)(All photos)
OLYMPIA – The best-paying jobs in state government are in academia. And of those, the very best are in athletics.
The 55 highest-paid state employees – and 948 of the top 1,000 – work for state colleges or universities, according to a list released Wednesday by the Office of Financial Management.
Topping that list are University of Washington head football coach Steve Sarkisian, who was paid $1,982,918 in 2010. UW head basketball coach Lorenzo Romar, who received $1,147,050, was second, according to the report, which lists wages or salary before taxes or other deductions, but doesn’t include benefits such as pension payments or health care.
Ken Bone, Washington State University head basketball coach was third, with $746,415, and Husky assistant football coach Nick Holt fourth at $652,228.
WSU President Elson Floyd was the highest-paid state employee in 2010 who wasn’t a coach. He was No. 5, at $625,000, just ahead of WSU football coach Paul Wulff’s $551,670.
The coaches and other athletic department staffs at the two universities are not paid from the general fund, the personnel department noted in materials posted on the Internet with the salary lists. They are paid from ticket sales and gate receipts for sporting events.
All but one of the first 55 salary slots went to coaches, administrators, professors or other staff at either UW or WSU. The exception was Evergreen State College President Thomas Purce, who was paid $318,033.
At No. 56 was the first state employee who doesn’t work for a university or college, Gary Bruebaker, the chief investment officer for the State Investment Board, who received $303,581.
Gov. Chris Gregoire, by comparison, received $166,890. That put her 955th on the list of state employees, which includes more than 150,000 names.
UW President Mark Emmert was paid $492,178, but only worked nine months. He left Oct. 1 last year to head up the NCAA. His replacement, Michael Young, wasn’t chosen until this April.
Of the first 1,000 people on the list – those who make about $164,000 or more – the vast majority were at UW. Thirty-three work for the Department of Social and Health Services, primarily as physicians, psychiatrists or clinic directors; nine work for the Department of Corrections, either as physicians or in health care related jobs. The only other office with more than two employees in the top 1,000 was the State Investment Board, which has six.
Jason Mercier, a state budget watchdog at the Washington Policy Center, said the heavy concentration of university salaries at the top of the list is no surprise, although he thought listing coaches, who are paid from ticket sales, was “a bit of misnomer.” Higher education draws from a wider range of funding sources than general government agencies, Mercier said. But it is also spends a much higher percentage of its money on salaries.
A recent study by the policy center showed that for state agencies outside of higher education, about 15.5 percent of their total spending went for compensation in 2007-’09, the last period for which adequate data is available. For higher education, it was more than four times that – 64 percent went for wages and salaries.
“Whether these compensation figures are too high or too low will remain the subject of much debate,” Mercier said. But wages and salaries are one of the costs that state officials control and can adjust.
Earlier this year, the Legislature reduced the budgets for state colleges and universities, and gave the schools the authority to raise tuition. The schools quickly exercised it; UW tuition went up 20 percent for the coming school year and WSU raised its tuition by 16 percent.
Anticipating questions or criticism over the number of high salaries for coaches, administrators, professors and other employees at the University of Washington, OFM included explanations in the “frequently asked questions” it posted on its website with the compensation lists.
Coaches and other members of the athletic departments of UW and WSU are paid from ticket and gate receipts, not from the general fund or tuition, the state agency said: “The UW competes for exceptionally talented people with advanced degrees of specialization in a very competitive international marketplace, as do the other public institutions of higher education. Many of the highest-paid employees at the UW, for example, are in high-demand, high-paying fields such as medicine, computer science, genome sciences and other fields in which the market determines the salary scale.”
Not all the salaries on the list are paid with state funds, the department added. Some state employees receive at least part of their compensation from federal grants, and many employees of the universities and colleges are paid from public or private grants, contracts and programs that generate separate revenue.
Employees of the investment board are paid from an average set after a salary survey of other pension funds, which helps the board “attract and retain investment professionals.” The salaries, and all other board expenses, are paid from investment earnings.
The agency also notes that state employees’ salaries are public record; only a few exceptions, such as employees who are victims of domestic violence, can be withheld.
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Notapatriot on August 11 at 5:20 a.m.
If I’m not mistaken, ticket sales happen at facilities built, maintained and staffed by public money. Wouldn’t it be novel if the proceeds from those ticket sales went to pay for those facilities instead of lining the multi-million dollar checking accounts of coaches. Let’s review a coaches contribution to society at large shall we? …and to think they are the highest paid people in the state. America’s priorities are so sadly awry.
bez233 on August 11 at 6:46 a.m.
let me pick my jaw up from off the ground
OMG……………………………
At least we know where priorities lie…
I don’t want to hear one more gripe about shortfalls in the budget, because we all know now where it is going.
Ninch on August 11 at 7:00 a.m.
And this is news to you? College athletics is big business as exemplified by sportscasts on both national and cable networks. I think if you do more research you will find that capital facilities (e.g. sports arenas) just like like coaches are upgraded with sports funds resulting in big payback. This is also the origin of sports/academic scholarships that indeed help many students (male and female) attend college.
P.S. I am not a sports nut but I understand the reality/logistics.
BTW: I am also tough on colleges/universities not providing coursework so that students can graduate within allotted time (e.g. 4 years). And I am also critical of students who major in subjects that have no realistic rate of return (e.g. English or History or Sociology or “General Community organizer” and more).
WillyPeter on August 11 at 7:14 a.m.
So much of this is ‘bizarro.’
None of our military heroes recently KIA earmed 1/10th as much as many of these PUBLIC, state tax-payer funded higher education employees.
Students now attending our PUBLIC, tax-payer funded schools are forced to acquire loans that will take them 20-30 years to liquidate after they graduate. And under the heading of ‘if you can believe it,’ the recipients of those dollars now ‘g-nash and g-narl’ over the fact that college is getting too expensive. (big HOOT here)
Our gutless go-along-to-get-along (and get re-elected)Washington State legislature has given state colleges and universities permission to increase tuition to ridiculous amounts, willy-nilly. And those corrupt, money making administrators and bureaucrats now have absolute, legal authority to charge the fore-mentioned students “the sky is the limit” $$$ amounts. To sustain their six-figure salaries, of course.
Middle income families do not qualify for tuition assistance. As a matter of fact, those families now fund not only their own childrens’ tuition, etc., but with now established and inflated tuition costs underwrite the educations of those students that our colleges - in the name of political correctiveness - waive costs for…..and you know who they are,
To remind - few of our state’s newly graduated high school sudents, or their ‘middle income’ families (about 50K-60K $$$ a year) will receive any financial assistance for college matriculation and attendance. And those 4 to 6 year educations at U-DUB and WAZOO for example, will cost about $100,000….money that must be paid with loans that will take 20-30 years to liquidate after graduation.
And yes, I could go on…and on.
But ‘scuse me now…I gotta fone the attorney general and recommend that it’s time for RICCO…..:-)
lewis8457 on August 11 at 7:39 a.m.
So sports are more important then any other study in college? No wonder our country is on the skids.
Ninch on August 11 at 7:44 a.m.
Middle income families in fact do qualify for financial aid, but not for the financial aid GRANTS that are reserved for students who are low income. The federal Direct Loan program (subsidized based on need and unsubsidized available to anyone) has very low interest rates. There is in addition the Parent Plus Loan at a low interest. And do not forget scholarships. Notably, many students also work while attending college… usually the lower income. All are part of the FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE. And most importantly, why should students from middle income families expect a “free” education. Like I already stated, most lower income students are working AND attending college.
Now as for the higher tuition: It should force students to do the research and decision-making to get more bang for their buck. Believe it or not… but it is fact… both private and public schools are competing for students. Tuition hikes are not bad, but not offering quality coursework toward beneficial degrees would be egregious.
As for the $100K number… Data indicates that the average loan amount for 4-year degrees is around $30K… which is less than the cost of the Chevy Volt car. Most students will complain about college loans (like the Obamas) and yet they will buy a new car equivalent to their college loan debt (and the vehicle has higher interest/payments), which ain’t too smart.
Irrelevant (and emotional blackmail) to compare earnings of military KIA to university presidents. Try comparing earnings of military commanders instead.
DickAdams on August 11 at 7:51 a.m.
To heck with book learnin`. BTW, drive by Lewis and Clark and take a look see at the millions of dollars being spent as we speak for a new sports complex. District 81 recently just spent moocho bucks for the new Sports building there. Why teach the three RRRs when the taxpayers will pay millions for sports events? At least teach the kids where our priorities are and it ain`t RRR. 2+2=5
Ninch on August 11 at 7:52 a.m.
No public funds are supporting sports. Get it? And who cares if some think sports are more important than “any other study in college.” Sports within the context of this article is NOT a college study. And be aware that sports is indeed more important to the average American than are liberal arts degrees in gender studies, English, History, etc. of which very few lead to productive employment. Like I keep repeating… the market place of higher education now requires a student to seriously focus on his field of study and its potential economic investment/payback. Unlike Obama, few believe that everyone should go to college unless they make it worthwhile.
dtmelin on August 11 at 8:11 a.m.
@ ricpal, & bez233…. Some university sports complexes are probably paid for with public funds, buy many are done through private donors, & their operation paid through athletic budgets (which are usually in the black). WSU will be upgrading martin stadium soon, & those funds will be generated through tv contracts. So if the salaries and facilities are funded through ticket sales, private donors, & TV revenue… I’m not sure what the complaining is all about.
The_Seer on August 11 at 8:46 a.m.
I urge everyone to check out the new double issue of The Nation magazine this week, especially the article “Jocks v. Pukes.”
http://www.thenation.com/article/162401/jocks-vs-pukes
NIck Holt, the fifth highest paid public official in the state, went 5-18 as the head coach of the Idaho Vandals, his last stint as a head coach. 5-18. Yet that type of performance gets rewarded with a multi-year, multimillion dollar contract?
I wonder who taught Ninch to read and write? It surely couldn’t have been an English major who emerge from college with no tangible benefit to society. What a complete tool.
william1977 on August 11 at 9:08 a.m.
People should demand this pay scale be reduced immediately. How sick. Seriously..I don’t care how great a stupid football coach is. Not one of them is worth $2 million pay.
It’s a game people!
No public office should pay more that $150k tops. No state funded education institute employee should make more than that either.
It is just disgusting to me.
In fact- if it were up to me- the universities in this state would not receive a dime of state money. Either be self supporting or cease.
Just shows how our priorities in this county are so out of whack. we place more on entertainment and sports over all else.
The_Seer on August 11 at 9:11 a.m.
william: You don’t believe the state has a compelling interest to promote an educated and highly skilled populace? Do you think Microsoft and/or Boeing would be in Washington if there were a bunch of idiots here?
Oh, wait. Never mind.
SpokyDaBear on August 11 at 9:18 a.m.
Instead of Coaches vs. Cancer.. it’s Coaches vs. Richie Rich..
Thoreau on August 11 at 9:34 a.m.
Ninch wrote ” I am also critical of students who major in subjects that have no realistic rate of return (e.g. English or History or Sociology or “General Community organizer” and more).”
So, you don’t think a person should pursue a degree that allows them the chance to do something they want to do?
That’s horrible advice.
polistra on August 11 at 9:42 a.m.
Sports have ALWAYS been more important than academics, even 60 years ago when this country was not on the skids. It’s a constant.
The variable is the quality of education in the non-sports part of college. Quality has dropped in recent years because the culture, employers and government have colluded to persuade everyone that college is mandatory. This has created a monopoly atmosphere in which college costs rise without limit while quality falls.
This is starting to change as people are finally realizing the benefits of college don’t match the cost for most careers.
william1977 on August 11 at 9:49 a.m.
Seer:
State has no business in that function. Neither does the Federal Government for that matter.
Let the market determine the skill set needed- and let private business lead the way.
If the demand for a higher skilled labor pool exists- private entities can fill that void.
cdaterry1 on August 11 at 9:57 a.m.
The Dumbing Down of america continues…..as the economy heads over a cliff our PRIORITIES are allowing this NONSENSE to happen. These payouts are simptomatic of the huge economic collapse in process…..pathetic
MrNatural on August 11 at 10:06 a.m.
I knew this article would solicit a few opinions…just another illustration of misplaced priorities and the inequities of life in these United States…
I guess it’s fair to say that these Jocks are not strapped :)
Loudin on August 11 at 10:38 a.m.
Oy.
These coaches salaries are not paid from tax-payer funds; they’re paid from the revenue generated by their sports. Furthermore, the revenue generated by DIV I football & basketball programs pay for the majority of all the salaries, equipment and facilities used by all the other college sports that can’t make it on their own.
It seems to me that the majority of you who are feigning outrage are just bitter types who didn’t get what they think they deserved and now cry about others. If you had the abilities, motivation and opportunity to put yourselves in a position to be a coach, college educator or university president, you wouldn’t see a problem w/this. But being as you’re most likely gas pumpers and ditch diggers, you blame others when they’re successful instead of looking in the mirror.
So to sum it up: Quit your whining! These coaches are being paid wages from ticket sales and endorsement contracts…not your precious taxes. Now go cash your social security welfare checks or go visit your doctor…paid for via Medicare, from our paychecks…and stop crying. And if you’re not an old bitter type, then get off the computer, turn off the television and get your butt into school; make your own success instead of pouting. The problems in this country aren’t caused by politicians or “over-paid” college coaches; they’re caused by under-educated Americans w/entitlement issues.
Suck it up, ladies.
Loudin on August 11 at 10:40 a.m.
If William had his way, Washington would become Albania over night. Jealous much?
gb333 on August 11 at 10:42 a.m.
I think we should also see how much money the U of W football team brings into the school. If it eclipses all the costs and puts money back into the school.
lewis8457 on August 11 at 10:52 a.m.
Dick same thing with Shadle they took up 3/4 of shadle park for a huge fancy sports park, and right in front there is a sign saying the school levy paid for it.
have hard time voting for school levies when most the money goes for high administrative salaries and fancy sports complex.
at this time at Shadle they tore out the football field and track.
lewis8457 on August 11 at 11:00 a.m.
loudin i think you are mistaken their benefit packages are paid by the state. make a million bucks a year and get free health care, vacations, and pension all funded by the taxpayers.
i think the idea of discontinuing state colleges is a good one, let private sector handle education it is apparent government has no idea what they are doing other then wasting money.
Al_Loysius on August 11 at 11:07 a.m.
Babe Ruth was once asked if it was right that his salary was more than President Coolidge. He reportedly said: “Why not? I had a better year than he did. ”
william1977 on August 11 at 11:09 a.m.
Liberals love justifying levies and sports programs. Tax dollars go to the schools which in turn aid in supporting these sports programs and the only one who loses is the student.
I think school should be a place of learning. that is it. No sports programs. Absolute waste of resources.
If one wants to play sports- and is in school- sign up for a league or a college team with a tie to that school they attend. But don’t let Loudin fool you- universities DO support those school sport programs with money from the state..
Someday…we will get this under control. Government has no role in supporting or funding higher education- at all. NONE.
WillyPeter on August 11 at 12:57 p.m.
Oh that Ninch…..defending the insane costs of attending one of our PUBLIC schools today, and telling all that the average loan of a graduate (what data?) is only(!) $30,000. U-DUB and WAZZU will charge students this year close to $11,000 for mandatory tuition and fees. Lessee, times four = $44,000. Then, in their bulletins, they announce that after incorporating room & board, books, transportation, etc., totals will be between $20,000 to $25,000 for 2011-12. Sooooo, that’s a total of about $80,000-$100,000 for four years…and fewer and fewer students, for multiple reasons are graduating in four years.
Silly stuff, Ninch. Students working their way thru college? Sure,you becha. Students working their way thru college now manage to contribute modest amounts towards that ultimate unbelievable total of a hundred big ones. The days are history that allowed students to more, or less, pay for most of their education while working and attending classes. And the above mentioned schools, now that they are allowed to set tuition, say those amounts are going to increase annually for the forseeable future….Oh Boy.
And Loudin is even funnier…..”problems in this country are not caused by politicians”…..HOOT!
No, of course not, they’re caused by Scooby-doo…….:-)
Military commanders (public employees) pay?…..Army Division Commanders, two-star generals that command “installations” like Fort Lewis, with15,000 - 20,000 soldiers, and their families, received about $150,000 a year (in 2008) and a house (quarters) to live in….that they are required to live in by-the-way. The average annual pay for each of those precious few that we lost last week runs about $60,000 - $70,000. Take it for what it’s worth……
mtharves on August 11 at 7:19 p.m.
This article from USA Today seems to indicate that college athletics do not pay for themselves and require money from the general fund. I think universities, especially public ones, have no “business” in being in the NCAA business of college athletics. I have no problem with state supported universities; if done right they pay for themselves with tax paying citizens who learned something useful and got jobs. If we want to have “minor league” football, then by all means set it up as the business that it really is and do what the rest of the world does; keep education and athletics completely separate.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2010-01-13-ncaa-athletics-subsidies_N.htm