La. Higher Ed Commissioner Gets 3-Year Contract

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's new higher education commissioner, Jim Purcell, has signed a three-year contract with the state that gives him a $275,000 salary each year.

Purcell, who has been director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, was appointed by the Board of Regents last week. He has said he plans to be working in Louisiana before the regular legislative session begins in April.

The contract, released Thursday by the Regents, gives Purcell an annual salary of $275,000, plus retirement and insurance benefits. He won't receive separate car or housing allowances.

His contract runs from March 21 until March 20, 2014. The appointment is subject to the confirmation from the state Senate.

Louisiana's last commissioner, Sally Clausen, received a $425,000 a year pay package including housing and car allowances.

Filed Under: Jim Purcell