Oregon parents protest pay hikes for school staff

10/18/2011

About 10 people protested salary increases for Oregon school administrators during a packed school board meeting Tuesday night.

The school board approved salary increases in August for 13 administrators, which included a 11.3 percent increase for Superintendent Mike Zalar. The increase brings his annual pay to $130,221, up from $116,965.

Parents said they were upset Mr. Zalar and others received the raises while to save money for the district, officials recently eliminated busing for their children.

“I think it’s appalling. Now is not the time for it,” said Oregon parent Paul Drake III.

But school board members defended their decision, saying Mr. Zalar deserved the raise and it would help the district retain him.

“Why did we do it? We don’t want Mr. Zalar leaving,” board member Richard Gabel said.

— Gabrielle Russon