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JCC president's salary package supported
Jackson Community College’s Board of Trustees came together for a special meeting Monday, Jan. 26, to discuss the possibility of keeping President Daniel J. Phelan at JCC in light of a pending job interview with Grand Rapids Community College. Previous news reports about results of that meeting have incorrectly reported a $70,000 salary increase for Phelan; included here is a breakdown and explanation of the package as presented.
- $25,000 increase in salary base (moving Dr. Phelan from the lowest base salary of all Tier II community colleges to the top by $600)
- $25,000 increase in deferred compensation (retirement fund)
- $1,400, JCC would pay employee health contribution
- $1,000 additional dental coverage (if used)
- $10,000 annual retention bonus, which would not be paid of the president stay less than four years (at which time he would be paid two years of the bonus).
- $14,000 annually for lifetime health care benefits, which would only be paid should Dr. Phelan retire from JCC (college anticipates the cost would be reduced when Medicare starts).
- Increase the account from $12,000 to $20,000 (before taxes) to support community initiatives, not personal expenses. Examples of organizations who have received support: The Jackson Symphony Orchestra, The Jackson County Community Foundation, The Ella Sharp Museum, The Jackson Symphony Guild.
Annual increase:
Retention/retirement initiatives:
Officeholder account:
“In our view, the increase in Dr. Phelan’s compensation package is 33 percent, or $52,400 (assuming he uses the additional $1,000 in dental coverage),” said Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Edward Mathein. “While in these tough economic times, some may say that’s a lot of money, but please consider the cost of losing a leader who has accomplished so much in the last eight years.”
The Board of Trustees also considered the cost associated with finding a new president and found that it would be considerable.
“There would be a loss of momentum on current initiatives in light of a new presidential search,” Mathein said. “Also, the business community spoke loudly about the loss of a great leader in times when collaborative efforts are essential for economic revitalization. The board feels we are fortunate to have an experienced, visionary leader who is familiar with the College and the areas it serves.”
