College of DuPage board votes on firing Breuder

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - The embattled president of the College of DuPage is a step closer to being fired and losing a lucrative severance package.

It comes as the college is under state and federal investigation for Robert Breuder's actions as President.

The Board of Trustees voted Thursday night 4-2 to start the process to fire Breuder. This has been brewing since Breuder was put on paid administrative leave in April. It was spurred by a decision by the previous board to award Breuder a $763-thousand dollar severance package.

Now that, and more, is in jeopardy.

The College of DuPage is the largest community college in the state. But extravagant spending and the awarding of lucrative no-bid contracts to businesses connected to the schools fundraising foundation has put Breuder in the crosshairs of state and federal investigators.

A watchdog and a watchdog organization urged trustees to do just that.

"The reason this vote is so important is not just about money. This vote is about education. What are you teaching the students at this college when you ignore wrongdoing and defend it by voting against his termination. Seriously, what message is being sent to students when they see their college president abusing tax dollars for his own personal pleasures and getting away with it," said Kirk Allen of EdgarCountyWatchdogs.com.

Breuder came under sharp criticism for running up tabs totaling more than $200-thousand dollars at the Waterleaf restaurant and then billing the school, which is publicly funded.

Now, federal and state authorities are investigating.

"The Termination of his presidency is inevitable. If you didn't see this coming, I am very surprised. If you look at the documents made public, including our 13 page vote of no confidence document, there is a preponderance of evidence that Robert Brouder has damaged the college in many ways. He cannot make the legitimate claim to any of the positive accomplishments you created him in January, they were the work of others," said Faculty Senate President Glenn Hansen.

This is just the first step and can be appealed, and will certainly be challenged in court. All this as classes are set to start on Monday.