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Chinstraps and Mouthpieces: Tough title game doesn’t conjure up warm memory

By Shawn Linenberger - | Apr 9, 2003

Tonganoxie High coaches are concerned about athletics-activities director Brandon Parker’s salary.

In his first year as a director, the district is paying Parker a stipend of $11,051.

“You can barely afford to put bread on the table with that,” cross country and track coach Phil Williams said.

Coaches recently presented their concerns to Tonganoxie school board members.

Starting next school year, Parker’s pay will increase, along with his workload. He will earn $34,712 with a 5/7 teacher position, which will include assistant volleyball coaching duties and lunchroom supervision.

“It’s one of those things in which you do your time,” Parker said. “You put in time and show that you’re worth it.”

Tonganoxie, though, is one of just three Kaw Valley League schools in which its director does not hold another position.

At Tonganoxie, Parker strictly deals with high school activities, while Phil Jeannin is the athletics director at the junior high. Jeannin’s stipend, prorated at one hour per day, is at $5,999. Jeannin also teaches physical education at the junior high.

At Bonner Springs and Lansing, one person is athletics director for both junior high and high school activities.

Robert Van Maren, superintendent of schools at Bonner Springs, said he preferred hiring a full-time director.

“I’ve done it both ways and I really have a preference for a full-time position,” Van Maren said.

The Bonner Springs athletics director makes $53,000 annually, while Lansing’s athletics director earns $47,500. The combined income for two directors at Tonganoxie is $40,711.

Bonner Springs, the league’s largest school, is a Class 5A member with 514 students in its top three grades, while Lansing is one of 4A’s largest schools with 482 students. Tonganoxie (4A) has 380 students in those grades.

Lansing superintendent Clayton Williams said a full-time director works well for