What kind of bang are Kentucky taxpayers getting for all those KCTCS bucks?
Bluegrass Institute president Jim Waters offered analysis to the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting on the secrecy and lack of accountability to taxpayers in the hiring of a new Kentucky Community and Technical College Systems president. KCIR is a partner with Louisville public radio 89.3 WFPL News and carried Waters’ comment as well.
Concerning outgoing KCTCS president Michael McCall’s compensation package, which at $669,463 last year made him the highest paid president among community and technical colleges in the country reporting CEO compensation packages, Waters questioned whether taxpayers are getting an adequate return on such a large investment.
He also questioned the secrecy surrounding the hiring of new president Jay Box, who, with the move, was associated from chancellor, the system’s No. 2 position. Box was one of 40 candidates who applied for the position. But the KCTCS board has refused to release any information about the candidates.
Listen here (:16). Waters told KY CIR reporter James McNair that while private organizations hiring CEOs have every right to keep the procedure under wraps, “when taxpayers’ dollars are involved, the process must be open and transparent.” Following Waters’ comments, the Bowling Green Daily News reported that Box’s salary could be reviewed by lawmakers.