Setting school executives’ pay

By the Tribune’s staff

Published Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Phyllis Chase has boosted the salaries of her top administrative staff.

Here are the 2007-08 salaries for the six assistant superintendents:

● Lynn Barnett, assistant superintendent of student services: $128,917, up 5.9 percent from $121,620. She has been with Columbia Public Schools for 26 years. Her position was changed from director to assistant superintendent under Chase’s tenure.

● Mary Laffey, assistant superintendent of human resources: $125,034, up 5.9 percent from $117,957. She has worked as a teacher, principal and administrator in the district for 28 years. Chase restructured Laffey’s position from director of human resources to assistant superintendent.

● Wanda Brown, assistant superintendent of secondary education: $116,844, up 5 percent from $111,280. Previously principal at Hickman High School, she was tapped for the assistant superintendent position in 2005. She has worked for Columbia Public Schools for 27 years.

● Jack Jensen, assistant superintendent of elementary education: $121,517, up 4.9 percent from $115,731. With 27 years in the district, he was promoted from Smithton Middle School principal to assistant superintendent in 2004.

● Sally Beth Lyon, assistant superintendent of curriculum: $110,000. The former director of assessment, she replaces Cheryl Cozette, who earned $125,269. Lyon has worked in the district since 1993.

● Nick Boren, chief operating officer: $121,000. The former superintendent of South Callaway School District, he replaces Jacque Cowherd, who made $116,234.