Gaspard To Resign From Senate Democrat Takes Job As Director Of State Higher Education Board

Senate Majority Leader Marc Gaspard on Saturday accepted the job as executive director of the state Higher Education Coordinating Board, bringing an end to his 23-year legislative career.

Gaspard said he will resign from the Senate effective Dec. 1, the same day he is scheduled to begin his new job.

“There are very few reasons why I would consider leaving the Legislature and this is definitely one,” Gaspard said in a telephone interview shortly after the meeting where he was offered the position.

“I’ve always framed my career around education and this is a great challenge that will allow me to work with a board that will allow me to take a leadership role with our citizens.”

The job pays $95,000 a year. The part-time job of state senator pays $25,000 a year, and Gaspard is paid $25,822 annually by Pierce College, where is director of community development, a half-time job. Gaspard also will resign the college post.

The executive director heads a 52-person staff that develops educational policies, programs and goals in such areas as enrollment, work force training, financing and technology. The director also represents the board to the governor’s office and the Legislature.

The board also approves new academic degree programs, makes state budget recommendation and administers the states’ student financial aid program. While its authority is mostly advisory, it has the power to approve or veto new college programs.

Gaspard, 47, gives the board legislative experience, consensus-building skills and support for education, Chairman Rich Sontelie said.

The search has been mostly casual, with board members suggesting names, Sontelie said. Members have talked to several candidates on an informal basis.

“He really has a reputation of bringing people together to solve problems,” Sontelie said. “There are a lot of issues to be worked on in education. Marc knows the key players and is well respected by players on both sides of the aisle.”

The board has been looking for an executive director since Elson Floyd left in August to become vice chancellor at the University of North Carolina.

Gaspard, a Puyallup Democrat, has been in the Legislature for 23 years and would be up for re-election in 1996.

He chairs the Senate Education and Ways and Means committees, and is chairman of the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.

Gaspard said Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Sid Snyder of Long Beach likely will be the next majority leader. Gaspard said he had no qualms about leaving the Legislature, even at a time when the Democrats hold only a one-vote majority.

“We’ve got some outstanding talent and we’ve worked so well together as a caucus that I’m sure it will definitely continue,” Gaspard said. “So I’m not concerned at all. We have people that are very dedicated.”