![After UM Cuts, Legislator Questions ‘Insensitive’ Salaries at Commissioner of Higher Education Office](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2015/01/Clayton-Christian-UM-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
After UM Cuts, Legislator Questions ‘Insensitive’ Salaries at Commissioner of Higher Education Office
As the University of Montana struggles with budget cuts and plans on reducing teaching staff in many departments, some state officials are questioning salaries at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. Montana State Legislator Tom Burnett says the recent salary announcement for the new Director of American Indian and Minority Achievement, a position given to ex-lieutenant govern Angela McLean, seems unreasonably high.
"She has taken a new post in a job that will be assisting American Indian students on their road to college and on their success to college," Burnett said. "The position had been paying the previous occupant $72,000 the position was advertised as $82,000 to $92,000, but her pay will be $102,000."
Burnett says the dysfunction goes deeper, and questions the pay of Commissioner Clay Christian as well.
"It just looks a little insensitive on the part of the Commissioner of Higher Education to be increasing pay at the administrative level, when there are so many challenges on the front line of education," Burnett said. "The previous commissioner, prior to the hiring of Clay Christian was making in the 213,000 area, his pay, when hired was significantly higher and has grown to $302,000."
Burnett argues that the salaries at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education should rise and fall with enrollments at the Universities in Montana, which have seen enrollment declines since their peaks back in 2010 and 2011.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![Award Winning Actress Lily Gladstone to Speak at UM Commencement](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-featured-image-2024-04-24T151700.846.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![M Trail in Missoula Will Close for a Week in May](http://townsquare.media/site/117/files/2022/05/attachment-M-Trail-Reroute.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Late UM Coach Don Read to be Inducted Into Big Sky Hall of Fame](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-featured-image-2024-04-18T160930.573.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UM to Host Sports Medicine Crisis Training at Grizzly Stadium](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-featured-image-2024-04-16T162929.794.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UM Law School to Host Live 9th Circuit Court Special Sitting](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-Anthony-Johnstone-Swearing-In-UM-photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![FAFSA Problems Lead to Extended Deadlines for UM Financial Aid](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-FAFSA-at-U-of-M.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UM and U.S. Attorney Correct Disability Access at Adams Center](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2021/01/Adams-Center-Facebook.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![200 Montana High School Students Will Visit UM for ‘Innovation Day’](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-Mansfield_high_school_program.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana’s Fire Season May Not Be As Bad As We Feared](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-FiredangerModerateLow.jpg?w=980&q=75)