FEMALE PRINCIPALS IN CAPE SCHOOLS GET LESS THAN MEN

Women who are principals of Cape Girardeau elementary schools are making less than their male counterparts.

But Larry Dew, director of business affairs for the school district, says experience is the reason.

There are two women who are principals. Barbara Blanchard, Washington School principal, makes $48,570. Barbara Kohlfeld, May Greene School principal, makes $46,777.

By comparison, men who are principals at the other four elementary schools in the district all make $50,580.

Dew said Blanchard and Kohlfeld have fewer years of experience. Blanchard is starting her third year as principal at Washington, and Kohlfeld is beginning her second year at May Greene.

Blanchard's salary is slightly higher than that of John Eck, the new principal at L.J. Schultz Middle School.

Both Blanchard and Kohlfeld were longtime teachers before being promoted to their administrative posts.

"They are on a salary schedule that will put them at the same level as the other principals and administrators over a five-year period of time," said Dew.