Paxton takes $400,000 severance
Emotional board names Peterson interim head of Iowa Central collegeBy ABIGAIL McWILLIAM, Messenger news editor
Article Photos
Dr. Bob Paxton will walk away from Iowa Central Community College with a $400,000 severance package.
In a brief meeting of the Iowa Central Community College board, which drew about 50 people Thursday, President Paxton's resignation was unanimously accepted and the severance deal approved.
Chuck Peterson, former vice president of financial affairs, will step in as liaison during the search for Paxton's replacement. A search committee will be formed immediately, said Mark Crimmins, Iowa Central board president.
Crimmins said he met with Paxton Wednesday to discuss an incident at Lake Okoboji on July 4. A widely circulated photo snapped by an unknown photographer appears to show Paxton pouring beer down a young woman's throat. Because of the negative impact the photo had on the college, Paxton agreed to resign, Crimmins said.
At press time, Paxton had not returned a phone call to The Messenger.
Paxton's three-year contract with an annual salary and benefits of about $200,000 was signed in July. With the severance package, he'll receive two installments of the $200,000, in January 2009 and January 2010. Additionally, he'll receive health care benefits until he is eligible for Medicare. In exchange for the severance package, Paxton has released his rights to any claims against the college.
Paxton, who signed the agreement Thursday, was noticeably absent from the meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes, his chair vacant.
In his resignation letter to the board, Paxton said, ''It has been a true honor and joy to serve as the president of Iowa Central for the past 13 years.''
Several faculty and staff were present, and tearful. Notably, Karen Lombard, three-year board secretary, visibly wept as she marked down the unanimous votes for his resignation.
It is a rapid shift of leadership for the college.
Peterson, who has been working part time with finances and contracts at Iowa Central, said his role as liaison will bring little change to his current position.
Peterson has been taking care of financing for the college, bond issues and construction contracts, Peterson said.
''I've worked with these people for 30-some years,'' he said.
Crimmins said Peterson was the logical choice.
''I asked Chuck because he has served under every president of the college in the history of the college,'' Crimmins said. ''He knows more about the college than anybody.''
Peterson described his relationship with Paxton as ''fabulous.''
''He is a leader, mentor and great friend,'' he said. '' I'm going to miss walking into his office the first day of the year to shake his hand. It's been a wonderful ride.''
Paxton's 13-year career at Iowa Central is decorated with many achievements from boosting sagging enrollment to helping land an $18 million bond referendum to fund many projects - including a bio-science program at the community college.
It also includes a transcript fraud scandal that erupted in 2002 when three Iowa Central officials pleaded guilty to record tampering as part of a plea agreement. The school's vice president, athletic director and football coach received deferred judgments. Paxton was charged with two counts of felonious misconduct in office, falsifying public documents and tampering with records. However, all charges against Paxton were dismissed.
Contact Abigail McWilliam at (515) 573-2141 or amcwilliam@messengernews.net
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thendrickson
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09-04-08 6:12 PM
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Again, as long as you continue to post anonymously, anything you have to say isn't really relevant.
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CommonSense
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09-03-08 11:03 AM
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Who died and made you the judge jury and prosecuter? Get a life.
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thendrickson
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09-02-08 12:16 PM
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Oh and the only thing I want for his son is for the father to come to grips with his problems so he can start being a real father to his very troubled son. The next heads on the chopping block need to be the Board of Trustees for failing to protect the public interest and the employees involved in Mr. Paxtons criminal activity that should have never been allowed to return to work in the first place. To that extent, we will be sending a letter to the Stae of Iowa with numerous signatures from the ICCC community asking them to investigate the college and it's dealings under Mr. Paxton to make sure all the skeletons are purged and the college can make a fresh start with honorable leaders guiding it.
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thendrickson
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09-02-08 10:02 AM
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Oh and let's be clear, Mr. Paxton and his son are the only ones to blame for ruining their lives, helped by enablers like you.
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thendrickson
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09-02-08 10:01 AM
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You just keep dealing with the issues dishonestly common sense, it's all you can do.
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CommonSense
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08-30-08 11:38 AM
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Yeah thendrickson, you got Bob, now go after his son, get the torches and pitchforks ready everybody. We won't be happy til we ruin the kids life too.
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thendrickson
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08-30-08 11:29 AM
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Standard probation terms, especially in cases involving drugs like alcohol ALWAYS have a clause in them prohibiting being around alcohol. His son, on probabtion, was in the boat with alcohol definitely being served. Those are facts, not innuendo. If his son would have been in an accident instead of just being arrested for his second drunk driving, the law suit would have named every individual in the boat until they fessed up as to who provided the booze. As it stands, someone provided alcohol to his son that day to get the drunk driving charge, he was in a boat full of binge drinkers, I'm sure the Dickinson County attorney is lookinginto where he got the alcohol and the picture is a good starting point.
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CommonSense
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08-30-08 10:13 AM
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csg. I never said they weren't, you are the one who said they were. The burden of proof rests on you my friend. I know a couple of the people who were in the boat, and the 2 I know are NOT minors. I can't speak for the other ones, maybe they were I don't know. Maybe you do?
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CommonSense
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08-30-08 10:07 AM
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What a joke. How sad it is that you think you are so much smarter than everyone. I know the difference between judgement and decernment. You obviously don't. Decernment is God's will, not YOUR will my friend. Yes, I know Paxton is a sinner, as am I, as are you. Just because what we have done doesn't make the national spotlight, doesn't make our sins any more or less forgiveable than his. Anyway, it just looks like we'll have to agree to disagree on this one, I am really tired of beating this dead horse. Like I said before, it's over, you people got what you wanted, he's not the college president anymore. Doesn't it make you wonder though. You won the war, and your still not happy about it. You choose to keep torturing a beaten man. Speaks volumes for your character in my opinion. Good Day.
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csg6708
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08-30-08 10:05 AM
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csg, what do you have other than hearsay that says they were minors? Just because someone blogged it here, doesn't make it fact. what proof do you have they aren't minors?? You are just repeating hearsay yourself
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Dejavue
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08-30-08 8:29 AM
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This story is on the Today Show this morning along with the image at the lake.
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whatajoke
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08-30-08 12:01 AM
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Fdfatone sorry old man McCain has been making bad choices ever since Bush was elected. Voting almost 90% of the time with Bush. He continues to make mistakes. Instead of choosing a logical choice Joe Lieberman, he buckled to Karl Rove and picked an inexpierenced Gov of a tiny (population wise)) state of Alaska. Who at the momment has a total of a year and half expierence prior to that she was mayor of a city with a population of 900. I think Joe Biden will have fun with her. Oh add to that she is under investigation for abusing her office and firing a guy that wouldnt fire her state trooper ex brother in law.
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mambajahamba
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08-29-08 11:45 PM
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"Obi-Wan is a great mentor, almost as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu." Anakin Skywalker about Obi-Wan Kenobi
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FDFATONE
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08-29-08 11:34 PM
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beat that dead horse bet it bloody
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FDFATONE
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08-29-08 11:33 PM
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i see the dummies are still at it
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thendrickson
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08-29-08 10:46 PM
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"Am I the only one who thinks that this just might only be the "tip of the iceberg" No you wouldn't and the good news is, some of the people who share your suspicions are very good at digging up the skeletons if there's any to be found.
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marka405
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08-29-08 10:29 PM
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Am I the only one who thinks that this just might only be the "tip of the iceberg"??
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Wildcatt
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08-29-08 9:14 PM
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boldopiniondodger I guess that’s the point isn't it. A man with an education like Mr. Paxton shouldn't have to be "given" free health care when he can go out and earn it himself. No wonder it is so expensive to go to college when they just give money away like this. Most people can’t afford college because the Paxton’s of the world keep it out of reach of them through outrageous severance packages.
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outlaw
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08-29-08 9:11 PM
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Where is Mamba, you see I am now using my powers for evil, they have me and I am crossing over to the dark side. Help!!!
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outlaw
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08-29-08 9:10 PM
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I bet every now and again Bill Clinton (who I really do admire) just has to slap his knee and say how about that Monica! That sure was fun.
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outlaw
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08-29-08 9:08 PM
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As long as I keep the booze coming they all love me! Whoopie. Okay now I am done being bad. I am picking on Paxton, just the situation. Someday he will look back and laugh and laugh. Dontcha think?
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outlaw
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08-29-08 9:07 PM
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Good one South side. I am just living vicariously through Bob. I am forty something and dreaming of being on a boat with a bunch of hot 20 year olds. Yippee.
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whatajoke
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08-29-08 9:07 PM
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boldopiniondodger have a great time tonight :)
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outlaw
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08-29-08 9:06 PM
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The little blue pill is what is astericked out. What is that word blocked? It is medicine.
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SouthSide
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08-29-08 9:04 PM
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sorry i have nothing else to do now on a friday night now that Bob and boys had to cancel the party out in bldg. 3 with the new volleyball recruitas!
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