Reform comes to College of DuPage

It was a privilege to attend last night's COD Board meeting. Reform has begun as the three new Board members and new Chair Kathy Hamilton became the majority; immediately passing sweeping action to end and prevent recurrence of financial, educational and administrative mismanagement resulting in numerous investigations at COD. President Robert Breuder was placed on administrative leave. House accounts for dining and entertainment were cancelled. The state required audit was finally approved and expanded to include conduct during President Breuder's entire six year reign.

This was the first Board meeting I attended where serious COD issues were discussed and dealt with. While pleased with the resolutions passed, it was unfortunate that the three members tied to the Breuder administration chose to vote as a bloc against every single action. I was hoping they would put their previous lockstep support for Breuder's policies and actions aside to become constructive change agents at COD. Their votes last night signal they are unwilling to accept responsibility for the year long public controversy that has been simmering under the surface for faculty, students and taxpayers for six long years. They should reconsider this course and use their considerable talents at future Board meetings to facilitate long overdue reforms and accountability. There is never a bad time to begin doing the right thing.