Looks like some interesting things happened at the JALC board meeting last night according to today's Southern Illinoisan. First Kilquist tried to postpone the vote on eliminating the clause in President Drieth's contract that would have allowed the board to get rid of him without cause at any time with a six-month buyout. Then Brewer asked to have it discussed in executive session. Jackie Hancock reminded them of the motion on the floor and the vote was taken with Brewer and Kilquist voting no and Rendleman voting yes "with some reservations."
So what does this mean? First, the shenanigans of the past didn't work – postponing votes until Attorney Huffman weighs in and trying to move public agenda items to executive session where Brewer can operate in secret. Second, Hancock, Sanders, and Hopkins all spoke up as they understood the original intent of the clause in Dreith's contract. Third, Rendleman was ….just being Rendleman. He saw the way the votes were going and tried to play it both ways. Fourth, this vote highlights why the elimination of O'Keefe was so important. And finally, it makes the Board accountable both fiscally and ethically. Yes, there may be times when a president should be removed but ONLY with cause and due process. Some board members can't just use taxpayer money for buyouts as a way to advance their personal agendas as we've seen in the past.
As board member Sanders said, this was a "prudent" decision and hopefully revealing of some new dynamics among the board members. And kudos to reporter Stephen Rickerl for his excellent coverage on this!
Well with a 5-2 vote last night the new board overtook the Kilquist-Brewer agenda in tabling for further discussion the clause in the contract of Pres. Dreith. The 6 month buyout clause will be removed and the president can assume his duties with a 3 year contract without the fear of being replaced after 6 months for no reason.
ReplyDeleteRendleman is the new chairman!What a surprise! Never heard who was VP of the new board.Jackie Hancock?
Rendleman stating with reservations he voted to eliminate the clause but he just had to keep his connection with the Brew Crew by stating with reservations. They must see by now that Rendleman usually kisses butt with the Brew Crew but he realized as Chairman,he needed to go along with the flow of the board. Wonder if the lap dog is beginning to try and win new friends?
"Let's go into closed session,and we need more time to review this policy for new board members to read prior to making a decision on eliminating this clause" was Brewers idea of buying more time to get to the PINCH PENNEY! Good job Jackie Hancock for stating a motion was already made and a vote was in order immediately. Of course Kilquist went along with Brewer although he had plenty of time to review that clause and contract prior to the meeting. Wonder if Kilquist is taking over from Jake as lapdog #1?
So for this first meeting-The Brew Crew was down to 2 members.Excellent job by the FAB 4 crew--Graff,Sanders,Hancock and Hopkins. Keep up the good work for the college