Changes made in governor’s hiring of KU prof

? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ office and Kansas University on Thursday said they have made changes to the conditions of hiring Burdett Loomis.

Last week, Sebelius announced hiring Loomis, the chairman of KU’s political science department, as director of administrative communications.

Under the arrangement, KU would continue paying $54,000 of Loomis’ annual salary, and the governor’s office, the remaining $34,000. In addition, Loomis would be allowed to continue to direct an internship program that allows 20 KU students to work in the Capitol during the legislative session.

But on Thursday, it was revealed that the governor’s office would pay Loomis’ total salary, KU would place Loomis on leave, and Loomis would not direct the intern program.

Nicole Corcoran, a spokeswoman for Sebelius, said the governor’s office decided to take on Loomis’ full salary after analyzing similar arrangements made between previous administrations when they borrowed personnel from higher education institutions.

She denied the change was made in the face of any complaints from lawmakers. Sebelius is a Democrat, facing a significant Republican majority in the House and Senate.

KU spokeswoman Lynn Bretz said the decision to place Loomis on leave was done after “further reflection.” She said she hadn’t heard of any complaints from legislators.

Loomis said he had heard indirectly that some lawmakers had been upset that he would be directing the internship program.

But, he said, he believes the new arrangement is best if it removes any suspicions.

Loomis’ job with Sebelius will be to coordinate the flow of information within the administration and between state government and the public, the governor’s office said.