College board offers settlement to former foundation director.

VanDyke

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

VICTORY TWP. — West Shore Community College’s board of trustees is expected to agree on a settlement with a former employee when it meets Monday afternoon. Julie VanDyke, former director of development/executive director of the WSCC Foundation, was fired in July by president Chuck Dillon (see related story about Dillon’s retirement here).

The college’s board is now offering VanDyke a settlement of $70,000 for the termination and changing the separation status as an official resignation. The settlement is being paid by the college’s insurance.

“After review and investigation of the claim, legal counsel suggested to both the college and the (Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority) to consider an early settlement,” Acting President Scott Ward stated to the board of trustees in a memo. “This approach would minimize the expenditure of attorney fees and guarantee a prompt and certain resolution, which would not be assured through protracted litigation. If it can be settled for the cost of defense, it makes no sense to litigate the matter. Counsel from both sides have agreed to the language in the settlement agreement as presented. Both Mrs. VanDyke and the MMRMA have also reviewed and approved the agreement. Mrs. VanDyke has signed the settlement agreement.”

In addition to the $70,000 settlement, the college will provide VanDyke with a letter of reference for future employment.

VanDyke, who resides in Eden Township, was hired to the position last year after former director Mark Bergstrom retired. She had previously worked as the college’s director of workforce development.

The board of trustees meets at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 in the board room in the Administrative and Conference Center.