An NMC official, who declined to be identified, said the board should be more cautious when hiring a new president.
Fernandez’s contract was “very favorable” to her, the official said.
Variety tried but failed to get a comment from Regent Charles Cepeda, who was the board chairman when Fernandez was hired in 2007.
The official said the four-page contract was signed by Cepeda and Fernandez.
“It never protected the interest of the institution,” the official added.
The official doubts whether the contract was reviewed by the finance department, the NMC legal counsel or Procurement and Supply.
“The contract was a very general agreement and not so detailed,” the official added.
In 2009, Fernandez’s contract was renewed for four years or until 2012.
She was given an $80,000 annual pay and a monthly housing allowance of $800.
Citing the allegation that she changed the grades of certain students, the board suspended Fernandez on Jan. 12 and fired her three months later.
As of press time yesterday, Variety was told that the legal counsel of the board had yet to serve the notice of termination to Fernandez.
WASC concludes visit
NMC yesterday assured that it will remain diligent in meeting accreditation standards as a team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges-Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges concluded its two-day “special” visit.
Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero, NMC director of institutional effectiveness and accreditation liaison officer, said faculty, staff and students are in the midst of assessing the effectiveness of their programs as part of the third cycle program review.
The visiting team selected the representatives of the college it wanted to meet.
NMC said that until the team report is made public, the college will be unable to comment specifically and publicly on its discussions with the team.
NMC said this is required by ACCJC’s policy on public disclosure.
Deleon Guerrero said the team report and recommendations will be made public after they have been submitted to the accrediting commission in June.
Last January, citing concerns over a “series of events,” the commission said it would send a team to NMC to look into its compliance with accreditation requirements.
//
