SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5553

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 1991

Brief Description:  Requiring that the president of a state institution of higher education may be removed for misrepresentation.

SPONSORS:Senators Owen and McCaslin.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Scott Huntley (786‑7421)

Hearing Dates:February 20, 1991

BACKGROUND:

In 1990, following a long controversy over possible misrepresentation by its president during the hiring process, The Evergreen State College entered into negotiations with its president which resulted in the president's resignation.  The manner in which presidential contracts are presently constructed required the board to provide monetary compensation to the resigning president.  It is argued that the state should not be placed in the situation of granting any manner of compensation to a college or university president who resigned under such circumstances. 

SUMMARY:

The contract of employment for presidents of state institutions of higher education shall include the provision that the board of regents or trustees of the institution have the full authority and responsibility to remove the president, without any manner of compensation or contractual buyout, should the board find that the president misrepresented himself or herself in any manner during the application, appointment, or hiring process.

This legislation does not apply to college or university presidents hired before the effective date of the act.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available