KU to release information on Perkins’ contract

By Terry Rombeck     Sep 24, 2004

Kansas University officials have confirmed details about athletic director Lew Perkins’ salary, expected to be released publicly during a press conference this evening.

KU director of university relations Lynn Bretz has confirmed that Perkins will receive a $1.3 million retention bonus if he stays on the job until June 30, 2009. Money for the bonus — which comes from sources such as television appearances and ticket sales — is being added to an account until the balance reaches the final amount.

In addition, Perkins is eligible for a $25,000 annual bonus if Chancellor Robert Hemenway is pleased with the operations of the athletic department.

Perkins’ salary of $545,000 — including $420,000 in base pay, $100,000 in multimedia payments and the $25,000 bonus — is broken down in this way: $165,000 in state funds, $210,000 from the KU Athletic Corp. and $170,000 from the KU Endowment Association.

Perkins and Hemenway are scheduled to discuss the contract during a press conference at 5:15 p.m. today.

“We are going to divulge the documents,” Hemenway said. “Both Lew and I will be there to talk about it.”

Douglas County Judge Jack Murphy, in a ruling made public Monday, said the Kansas Open Records Act requires disclosure of the documents. He rejected the university’s claims that they fall under an exception that would allow them to be withheld. Several news organization had sued the university and the University of Kansas Athletic Corporation for access to the records.

The World Company originally sued to obtain the documents. It later was joined in the suit by the Associated Press and the Kansas Press Assn.

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