Swender out as GCCC President

Garden City, KS(westernkansasnews.com) The Garden City Community College Board of Trustees Monday night unanimously agreed to a settlement separation and consulting agreement with Dr. Herbert Swender ending his term as President immediately. The announcement was made to cheers from the close 100 in attendance.

Per the agreement Swender will remain as consultant with the college until January 1, 2019. The board also agreed to pay Swender $278,000, which equals one years salary. He had a three year contract with the board that began on July 1. His contract also gives him health insurance through December 31, 2023 if he voluntarily resigned.

The agreement represents a compromise of amounts contractually owed to Dr. Swender in exchange for mutual release of liability and claims and immediate termination of his employment.

The board said they believe the agreement is fair and that it will eliminate the possibility of litigation and associated expenses.

Swender came under fire in May after he was inappropriate conduct allegations were made against him. He also faced criticism of being slow to react to sexual harassment allegations made by cheerleaders against former cheer coach Brice Knapp.

The board went into a second executive session after announcement where no action was taken. When they reconvened following the second meeting the board said they are working on a succession plan to replace Swender.