By Haley Kosik/WJEZ News

Illinois High School Association executive director Marty Hickman has taken issue with a Chicago Sun- Times report which details a 24 percent rise in compensation he received during the 2013-24 school year.

“That is not money that I received. That’s the problem with this. People read the headline and go ‘Oh my God, the guy got a 24 percent increase in compensation,’  that’s ridiculous,” said Hickman.

Hickman said the increase is tied to deferred compensation, while his base pay actually decreased.

“It won’t pay me out a nickel if I don’t live long enough,” said Hickman.

The newspaper report based on IRS filings shows seven IHSA administrators received six-figure salary and compensation packages during the 2013-14 school year. The Sun Times started looking into the IHSA’s finances after a state lawmaker suggested the state should have more oversight of the privately-run group.

The IHSA announced on Tuesday Craig Anderson will be the organization’s next executive director. Anderson is the former athletic director for Washington High School and currently serves as the IHSA administrator for football, wrestling, and baseball.