Former Conn. higher ed chief returns $25,000

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut education official who resigned earlier this month amid an outcry over secret pay raises for his staff has paid back $25,000 from an expense account that was allowed as part of his contract.

Robert A. Kennedy stepped down as president of the Board of Regents for Higher Education after it was revealed that he awarded $250,000 in pay raises to staff without the board's permission or knowledge. He had been receiving a $340,000 salary in addition to other compensation including an un-vouchered expense account.

Board spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan said Monday that Kennedy returned the $25,000 last week. She included a note in which he said he was returning the money because his employment had been terminated.

Former UConn President Philip Austin has been named as an interim replacement for Kennedy.