Presumably, anyone reading this blog already knows that the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees removed President Mike Dreith, officially, last night. The legal fig leaf is that he has resigned. And bully for him; he gets a healthy severance package.
It seems that some members of the Logan BOT have never wanted Dreith. As time has went on, the cost of their desired result has increased. His original contract had a buyout clause that would have allowed his termination, without cause, with a payout equal to only six months' pay. According to a copy of his contract published by the Southern Illinoisan, it appears that Dreith made $177,979.00 per year. Six months' worth of that would have been $88,989.50. However, the Board has voted to pay him a total of $290,000 not to work.
We will be told that appearances are deceiving because the $290,000 figure covers a 20 month period. OK. But he still will not be working for the College. Ron House will be Interim President. Board Chairman Don Brewer says the search for a permanent replacement will only take nine months and that House will only make $4000.00 a month. OK. Four thousand dollars times nine months is $36,000.00, in addition to what they'll have to pay Drieth.
If the cost is to come from contingency funds, is this the best use of those funds? The state budget process is in chaos and higher education is expected to take one of the biggest hits, when the Governor and General Assembly finally settle. Weren't those funds for a rainy day?
What's the deal with the Jackson County Democrats and this board? Rendleman, Brewer and Kilquist act together. Former Republican, and now nominal Democrat, Alstadt votes with them.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Cheryl Graf has thrown her lot in with the rest of the Jackson County team. Wonder why she ran in the first place?
Follow the money . . . .
ReplyDeleteGraf unfortunately has crossed over to the dark side. She hopes for a career in area K-12 administration. She knows Brewer can kill those hopes. Unfortunately, he would likely kill her dreams despite her complicity in killing Dreith.
ReplyDeleteBut that makes the point of the commenter above. If she's basing her votes on fear of her fellow board members, why'd she run for election to begin with?
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