2015 has been a tumultuous year for Illinois’ largest community college.
A massive severance package for former College of DuPage President Robert Breuder drew ire from voters who brought in so-called “Clean Slate” candidates to the board of trustees. They voted in the fall to fire Breuder. He has since filed a lawsuit citing wrongful termination.
This month, Board of Trustees Chair Kathy Hamilton abruptly resigned her post.
Now, several trustees are boycotting board meetings …calling for a new chair.
Reporter Nathan Lurz has been covering the developments for Suburban Life Media. He says the next trustee will have a lot of power because of the current split in voting ideologies.
"Whoever has that last vote, if you can count on their vote for whatever your side is, you are going to be able to really push through whatever reform you want."
Fellow reporter Eric Schelkopf says there are similarities between what's happening at the College of DuPage and the personalities in Springfield.
"It seems like both parties are not wanting to budge at all, and therefore, nothing is happening."
The Higher Learning Commission recently placed the school on probation for two years. The group says that action is due to concerns with its financial and academic integrity.
