Firing of Columbia College president a mystery

The Yosemite Community College District is firing Columbia College President Dennis Gervin for cause, though it will not make public what is behind the action, Chancellor Joan Smith said Friday.

"The board is proceeding under the 'for cause' provision of the contract. Dr. Gervin has been notified of the reasons for the board's proposed action and will have an opportunity to respond. It is not required to make public those reasons," Smith said in an emailed statement.

The YCCD board terminated Gervin's contract at a special meeting Thursday. The statement read by board President Abe Rojas said only that the decision "was the culmination of an extended process of performance evaluation."

In terminating the contract for cause, the board must give Gervin 60 days' notice and a chance to address the board, which on Thursday it said it will do.

Gervin's three-year contract would have ended June 20, 2015. He receives $189,487 a year plus an $800 monthly car allowance and health benefits. An automatic 4 percent raise would have kicked in July 1 with a good evaluation. The contract includes vacation, paid leave over the Christmas holidays, plus 14 yearly holidays and 12 sick days.

Buying out his contract, instead of firing for cause, would cost the board 18 months' salary and benefits, $284,230 at a minimum.

Gervin did not return Bee calls for comment.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339, on Twitter, @NanAustin, www.modbee.com/education.