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Criticized Maryland chancellor won't seek contract extension

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The chancellor of Maryland’s university system won’t seek a contract extension, after state lawmakers cut funding from the system’s budget to express displeasure with him.

Chancellor Robert Caret announced Wednesday he will step down from his position next June. He says now is the time to explore other professional options.

In March, lawmakers who negotiated final details on Maryland’s budget cut $642,600 — an amount equal to Caret’s annual salary — from the University of Maryland system’s budget.

The action highlighted lawmakers’ unhappiness with a lack of transparency and accountability in the aftermath of a university football player’s death last year.

Lawmakers also criticized Caret for promoting a jewelry company’s charm bracelets in an email to three university presidents, and his treatment of a staffer for raising an ethics concern.

Brian Witte, The Associated Press