King was already a member of the board which was then headed by Charles V. Cepeda when NMC renewed Fernandez’s contract for four years in May 2009.
Fernandez, a former Guam senator, was first hired in April 2007.
King said individual members of the board were not given a chance to review the contract before it was signed by the then-chairman.
But since the contract was signed by Cepeda and Fernandez, NMC had to honor it, she added.
King was the only member who opposed renewing and extending the contract of Fernandez.
When asked if Fernandez was allowed to draft her own contract, King declined to comment.
She said the board under her leadership will ensure that the contract of the new president will be reviewed by their legal counsel.
Moreover, each regent will be given a chance to review the contract.
In a statement, NMC said the president’s contract is a standard contract whose format and general contents have been used for former presidents of the college.
The salary and benefits in the contract of Fernandez were approved by the members of the board of regents prior to its execution, NMC said.
Fernandez’s salary was $80,000 a year. She was also provided an $800 monthly housing allowance.
“The college does not make public statements about specific personnel matters. As such, the college will decline to comment further on this matter,” NMC added.
In an interview last week, King said the board had no idea if Fernandez would resort to legal action against NMC.
King said she will soon convene the board to determine the selection process of the search committee for the new president.
