Dillon to retire as college president.

Charles Dillon

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

VICTORY TWP. — Charles Dillon has agreed to retire as president of West Shore Community College. On Monday, Oct. 20, the college’s board of trustees will take action on a separation agreement with Dillon. Dillon has been suspended from his job since he was arrested for drunk driving in early August. He recently pleaded guilty to the charge.

Dillon’s contract with the college states that early termination of his contract, which expires on June 30, 2018, would require arbitration. “This arbitration process can be lengthy, costly to the college and likely painful for all involved,” board chairman Jim Jensen stated in a memo to fellow trustees. “Given Dr. Dillon’s willingness to retire at this time, this agreement resolving all potential issues creates the best scenario for both the college and Dr. Dillon.”

Under stipulations of his contract Dillon and his wife are entitled to health insurance benefits into retirement. “In order to facilitate retirement, the agreement includes a $30,000 payment for all other claims,” Jensen noted. “This amount is a small fraction of the value of the current contract.” Dillon is paid $149,000 a year.

Jensen said Dillon has agreed to the separation agreement.

The terms of the separation include:

– Dillon resigns, effective Oct. 20, 2014. Acceptance of the agreement by the board of trustees will make the resignation effective on that date. Dillon will be entitled to all benefits normally provided to other retired administrators of the college pursuant board policies. The benefits are not vested and the policies may be modified or deleted in the future for administrators.

– The college will pay Dillon $13,403.68 for separation recognition and $9,309.50 for unused vacation. It will also pay $3,600 for unreimbursed medical bills. It will also pay Dillon $184,500 in retiree health insurance and $30,000 for all other claims.

The college board meets at 4 p.m. in the Administrative and Conference Center on the main campus.