Termination Proceedings to Begin Thursday for COD President Robert Breuder

By AMIE SCHAENZER (Patch Staff)

Termination proceedings are expected to begin Thursday College of DuPage President Robert Breuder.

The process could take months and requires support from at least five of the seven board members, according to the Daily Herald. Under terms of Breuder’s contract, he must also be given 45 days to fix the problems raised by the board if he is fire.

The College of DuPage has been under fire regarding its finances and administrative practices and Breuder has been the subject of public scrutiny regarding a $762,867 severance package the former board of trustees approved, the newspaper reports. A new majority was elected to the board earlier this year.

On Thursday, the board is expected to meet in closed session from 5 to 7 p.m. A public meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with the board expected to “authorize to initiate termination proceedings against college president.”

Breuder and the College of DuPage continue to face scandalous accusations of extravagant spending and wasting taxpayer money. Here’s a look at some of the claims facing the institution and the president, currently on paid leave:

• In January, school board members voted to send the community college’s president Robert Breuder away with a $762,000 buyout. That was funded by taxpayers.
• Audio tapes of the buyout negotiations between Breuder and the board of trustees revealed that the president initially asked for a $1.5 million severance payment—almost three years’ salary—and other perks. The board refused to accept those terms.
• Then there were the business dealings at the college radio station and a move tocensure a board member.
• Earlier in March, it was revealed that nearly $200,000 was charged in food and liquor costs at the college’s fine dining restaurant, Waterleaf.
• The last week in March, the college allegedly awarded signage contracts to a foundation member without going to bid for the jobs.
• On April 13, the former radio station employee pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces.
• Then on April 20, it was discovered that an additional $160,000 has been spent at the College of DuPage restaurant, Waterleaf, from an account that was previously undiscovered.
• August 2015: College of DuPage trustees vote to close the Waterleaf restaurant.