The West Shore Community College Board of Trustees will meet Thursday, Oct. 2, at 4 p.m. in a special session to review a written opinion by the college’s legal counsel concerning President Charles Dillon’s current contract.
J. Patrick White of Varnum Attorneys at Law, Grand Rapids, is the college’s legal counsel.
Dillon in September entered a guilty plea and was sentenced in Manistee District Court on a reduced charge of driving while intoxicated in Manistee in August. The plea agreement called for fines and costs, two years probation and credited him with serving two days in jail.
Initially, the WSCC Board had placed Dillon, who has been president since July 1998, on a paid administrative leave. After a closed session during its monthly meeting on Sept. 15 the WSCC board voted to end the paid leave and consult with the college’s attorney on Dillon’s status with the college.
In May, the board gave Dillon an overall rating of 4.6 on a 5 point scale. That review included consensus comments, signed be Chairman James Jensen, that said in part, “The consensus of the board is that the president consistently exceeds the expectations of the board in fulfillment of his duties in an honest and ethical manner, and once again, commends President Dillon’s performance over the past year. We look forward to a successful 2014-2015.”
Dillon is WSCC’s third president and its longest-tenured one.
In June, Dillon was granted a $5,000 base salary raise that moved his annual salary to $149,000. The raise was about 3.5 percent, in part because the board said Dillon had not had a raise the prior year. The board also added one year onto his contract, extending it through June 30, 2018.
The agenda for Thursday’s special board meeting in the Board Room of the Administrative & Conference Building, lists a statement of purpose, a public comment session, the closed session, board comments and adjournment as the only items beyond roll call, welcome and approval of the agenda.
Welcome to the discussion.