College of DuPage President Robert Breuder said he won't reject a three-year contract extension approved by trustees last week amid a torrent of controversy and protests in a packed-to-capacity meeting.
More than 100 people turned out for Thursday night's board of trustees meeting at the community college in Glen Ellyn, many voicing opposition to extending Breuder's contract after less than four months on the job. Trustees voted 6-0, with Trustee Kathy Wessel absent, to approve Breuder's contract extension, a July 1 pay raise and extra cash to be doled out after he retires.
Residents and COD staff who overflowed the meeting room and spilled into the hallways objected to trustees voting on the deal in the last full board meeting most members will attend. Four new trustees were selected during the April 7 elections. Instead, the crowd told the existing board that the new board should decide Breuder's contract after it convenes May 4.
"Your contract was for 42 months, giving you plenty of time to show that you are worth the big bucks," Debbie Fulks, of the community-based group DuPage United, said to Breuder. "Extending your contract is a dirty trick by a lame-duck board that the voters have kicked out of office. Do we really need to bring shenanigans worthy of [former Gov. Rod] Blagojevich to DuPage?"
Like other speakers Thursday, Fulks, who is co-chairwoman of the DuPage United steering committee, called on Breuder to reject the contract extension. The comment garnered thunderous applause.
Breuder's existing 31/2-year contract, signed Nov. 18, is set to expire June 30, 2012. The extension carries his contract through June 30, 2015.