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COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (AP) – The board of directors of a community college in northern Idaho fired the president of the school in what a board member who opposed the decision called for 100% retaliation.
The board with a 3-2 vote on Wednesday fired Rick MacLennan, ending his five-year term. Board chairman Todd Banducci and two other board members did not explain their vote to fire MacLennan.
The Northwestern Commission on Colleges and Universities is investigating whether the college is still eligible for accreditation following complaints against Banducci for unprofessional behavior.
Board member Christie Wood said the dismissal was in retaliation for the complaints.
“(MacLennan) hasn’t done anything wrong here, it’s 100% retaliation against a great president,” Wood said.
“Trustee Banducci, you’ve been bullying me for a long time and you’re starting over,” MacLennan said at the meeting.
Lita Burns, vice president of training, has been appointed interim president.
“Just because there are personality differences is no reason to fire the president,” said Ken Howard, board member, who backed MacLennan.
MacLennan will receive 12 months of salary and benefits. His annual salary is approximately $ 223,000.
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