Replace Trustees Who No Longer Reflect the Public Trust

• The supporting article: wenatcheecollege.com/news/
  

We, the undersigned residents, students, employees, alumni, and supporters of higher education in Washington State, respectfully request that Governor Bob Ferguson decline to reappoint current members of the Wenatchee Valley College Board of Trustees whose conduct has undermined public confidence in the governance of the institution and instead appoint trustees who will restore professionalism, independence, transparency, and accountability.

Recent public records obtained under Washington’s Public Records Act have revealed communications involving members of the Wenatchee Valley College Board of Trustees and senior college leadership that raise serious concerns regarding professionalism, impartiality, and the independence expected of those entrusted with governing a public institution of higher education.

The records include comments about fellow trustees, political remarks, discussions regarding board appointments, and statements suggesting concern about whether future trustees would “back up” the college president rather than independently oversee college administration.

The role of a Board of Trustees is not to serve as a support organization for a college president. Trustees are appointed by the Governor to represent the public interest, provide independent oversight, ensure accountability, protect institutional integrity, and maintain public confidence in the governance of the institution.

These concerns do not exist in isolation. During recent years, Wenatchee Valley College has faced ongoing public controversy involving transparency disputes, litigation, employee concerns, accreditation-related scrutiny, and questions regarding institutional leadership and accountability. Public confidence in the Board’s ability to independently oversee college administration has been significantly weakened.

The purpose of this petition is not to attack individuals personally. Public service is difficult, and reasonable people may disagree on policy matters. However, when public confidence in governance has been compromised, it becomes necessary for leadership to change.

We therefore respectfully ask Governor Ferguson to:

Review the conduct and performance of current Wenatchee Valley College trustees.
Decline to reappoint trustees whose actions have undermined public confidence in the institution.
Appoint trustees who demonstrate professionalism, independence, transparency, respect for differing viewpoints, and a commitment to accountable governance.
Restore public confidence that the Wenatchee Valley College Board of Trustees serves the people of Washington rather than the interests of any particular administrator or political faction.
Wenatchee Valley College belongs to the students, employees, taxpayers, and communities it serves. The public deserves a Board of Trustees that reflects the highest standards of professionalism, judgment, and accountability.

Please sign this petition if you believe Wenatchee Valley College deserves independent governance and renewed public trust.

Thank you.

Respectfully submitted,

Concerned Students, Employees, Alumni, and Community Members

• The article: https://wenatcheecollege.com/news/
• The source documents: https://wenatcheecollege.com/texts/