College of Lake County Federation of Teachers
Political Action Committee
Letter to the Editor
Nancy Cook
Not yet published
As a retired employee of the College of Lake County I am saddened by reports
from friends and former colleagues of deteriorating morale among all employee
groups at the college. When I was employed there I looked forward to going
to work each day. The faculty, administration and support staff worked together,
harmoniously, to create a pleasant work environment and we were all committed
to serving the students. That seems to no longer be the case.
The current administration under Dr. Richard Fonte have chosen to adopt a
management style that views faculty and staff as people needing to be managed
rather than as partners and colleagues with a vested interest in decision
making that affects the day to day operation and the future of the college.
Experienced faculty and staff are no longer consulted on important operational
and policy issues. Instead they are often told how to vote in supposed shared
governance meetings.
What is even more disturbing is the Board of Trustees support of this dictatorial
management style. It seems the Board has become a “rubber stamp”
for the administration rather than the citizen watchdogs they were elected
to be. Several board members have served multiple six year terms. I believe
that we need new eyes and ears on the board that will be independent of long
standing relationships between board members and administrators.
I am supporting the candidacy of Mr. John Lumber and Mr. O. H. Michael Smith
for the Board of Trustees for Community College District 532. Both of these
candidates are experienced educators that will bring to the board a fresh
perspective and will serve the students and the citizens of the district rather
than the administration.
Nancy Cook
Retired CLC Faculty, Art History
Lake Villa Resident
-dedicated to improving the educational experiences
of the citizens of Lake County
CLCFT-PAC