Amid the absence of trustee Dianne McGuire and  Erin Brit, the College of DuPage board of trustees   approved a $325,000.00 per year contract with the college’s new president, Ann Rondeau. Her contract prevents her from  receiving raises any higher than 6 percent in a year. The contract’s approval coincided with a visit of the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC) Vice President for Accreditation Relations Barbara Johnson.

Prior to passing the contract, members of the public expressed some concerns about the exact number of sick days and vacation days mentioned, since the contract states Rondeau will be provided all privileges, leaves and sick leaves, without stating an exact timeframe. “I just want to make sure Dr. Rondeau is clear on it, and the public can see what is normally customary,” said Jan Shaw, a local resident.

The contract’s passage signaled a new beginning of a cordial working relationship between the faculty and the board.

In September 2014, the faculty expressed dissatisfaction in the leadership of former President Robert Breuder for what they termed as, “his failure to establish fiscal priorities that are consistent with the college’s mission of educating the District 502 residents and a respect for the college’s responsibility to the taxpayers and students.”

Their resolution led to an ongoing legal hullabaloo between Breuder and the board that remains unsettled. The HLC also placed the college on probation for concerns related to “operating with integrity and governance.”

“It is now time to move forward and stop wallowing in the past. I am not saying forget about the past and move on; I am saying fix the problem that led us here, and don’t allow the mistakes to be repeated,” said Glenn Hansen, COD faculty association president.

Richard Jarman, COD faculty association vice president, agreed it is time to leave old grudges behind.“While the academic reputation of COD is resolute, and its financial position is very secure compared to many Illinois public colleges in the current financial debacle, it has been blown off course by the storm of scandals and lies in mortal danger of foundering upon the reef of probation. A new era of improved collaboration and cooperation is required. We are up for the challenge and look forward to the voyage.”

Rondeau will be extended all privileges, leaves, sick leaves, the State Universities Retirement (SUR)  contribution and the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) retiree health insurance and other fringe benefits on the same terms as other administrative personnel.  

To enhance her performance, the college will make provision for a high speed internet service at Rondeau’s home. She has since consented to a clause mandating her assigned laptop/computer to be synched to the college’s computer system by college personnel on a regular basis.

For accountability purposes, Rondeau is required to present proposed business expenses she expects to incur 90 days before the beginning of each fiscal year. The board has set a limit on spending, and defined what constitutes reimbursement.

As president, Rondeau can engage in fundraising for the college, exercise educational leadership, formulate the college’s budget, administer the affairs of the college, participate in student and faculty recruitments and appoint, promote, and dismiss faculty and staff.

Chairwoman Deanne Mazzochi said Rondeau’s contract reflects how the board has learned from past experiences. “This contract is a straightforward contract with no hidden clauses or benefits,” said Mazzochi. “We view this as a matter of transparency.”

Vice Chairman David Olsen viewed the contract as a model contract that is clear and unambiguous. “There is nothing hidden in this contract,” lamented Olsen.

Although Trustee Joseph Wozniak abstained from the vote to approve Rondeau’s contract, he did not state any reason.

Rondeau’s first day on the job is July 1.