Weatherford College Staffers Air Grievances

By Phil Riddle, Weatherford Democrat, Texas

Jul. 17–A pair of employee grievances, one of which resulted in a surprise retirement announcement, were heard by the Weatherford College Board of Trustees Wednesday.

James Colton, dean of Student Development, and Vice President of Student Affairs Duane Durrett, were each arguing demotions and salary cuts in Wednesday’s called meeting at the Mince Auditorium on the Weatherford College campus.

Colton, anticipating a pay cut of about $18,000 annually, addressed the board saying his feelings for the college were the basis for his request of the hearing.

“I so love this college and fear for the direction things are going,” he said. “I am so serious about this issue that I have decided to retire at the end of my current contract.”

Colton’s contract expires Aug. 31.

Durrett’s grievance is based on an accusation of age discrimination and his part in a recent athletic department review in which he claims his conclusions were challenged and he was forced to change his recommendations regarding the hiring of a full-time athletic director.

“I was told ‘we’re going to get a full-time AD, and you’re going to get behind it,’” Durrett said.

His upcoming contract calls for a $33,000 pay cut.

Board members took no action Wednesday, making the grievance eligible for placement on the next regularly scheduled meeting. If no action is taken at that time, the administration’s position is upheld by default.

See more details in Friday’s Democrat.

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Copyright (c) 2008, Weatherford Democrat, Texas

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