WVC Faculty Union Makes Appearance at Board of Trustees Meeting

On the heels of the vote of no confidence in President Jim Richardson from the faculty union, WVC Association for Higher Education, faculty members explained the reasoning behind their statement at Wednesday's Board of Trustee meeting.

"The two charges against President Richardson are aligned to one, his failure to uphold the duties he has been tasked with in his employment contract by not behaving in a professional manner and by injuring the reputation of the college," said Patrick Tracy, union president. "Two, the effects his mismanagement has had on the college’s mission statement, specifically related to the college now being impaired in its ability to serve the educational needs of the community and to deliver high quality education."

There was standing room only at the meeting for Tracy's report to the board. President Richardson stated he is disappointed in the action that they've taken, but understands the concern.

"We are in a budget crisis and they're looking for answers and we're trying to give them so I understand that concern from the faculty," said President Richardson. "We'll work with them as much as we can."

Richardson stated the administration meets with a budget task force regularly. The board is looking at a special session to discuss the report given from the union Wednesday and set up a time to meet with faculty.

One staff member weighed in during public comment to support President Richardson and express it was going to take teamwork to get 'out of this pickle' and not to point fingers at any one person for the crisis.