College of Lake County President Richard Fonte, who has been at the center of controversy since he joined the Grayslake institution less than 18 months ago, has been out of his office since May 9 on “personal business,” raising questions whether he will return to the school.
College officials would not disclose specific information about Fonte’s decision to take a paid leave of absence from his $195,000-a-year job.
“He’s away taking care of personal business,” college spokeswoman Evelyn Schiel said. “I can’t go into any details.”
Reached by e-mail Friday, Fonte declined to comment and referred all questions to board President William Griffin. Griffin declined to respond to speculation about Fonte’s absence and said he expects more information to be made public by the end of next week.
Fonte’s spending and administrative decisions have angered some teachers.
The college did not announce Fonte’s departure, but his absence was obvious to many when he failed to appear at the college’s May 12 graduation ceremonies.
Rick Soller, a full-time teacher and union representative for the college’s 200 full-time teachers, questioned the timing of Fonte’s departure.
“I think it would be a bit surprising in a sense because the board showed support for him during the past year, and we really haven’t done anything since then to try to get him removed,” Soller said.
The community college hired Fonte in January 2006 after a nationwide search. He was president of Austin Community College in Texas, where he also generated controversy over financial issues, program cuts and his relationship with the staff.
Griffin said during Fonte’s absence, the college’s three vice presidents are handling day-to-day operations.
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skuczka@tribune.com
