The San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees put president/superintendent Dr. Jeff Marsee on paid administrative leave, following the second special board meeting of the week.
The initial meeting, held on Tuesday, Jan. 31, was to consider the “discipline, dismissal or release” of Marsee. After 45 minutes of open comment and more than four hours in closed session, trustees tabled the matter until Thursday, Feb. 2.
The Tillie Lewis Theater was again filled with students, faculty, staff and community members awaiting the trustees’ decision.
Public comments opened with a statement from Marsee addressing comments against him made by a student at the initial special meeting. The alleged comments concerned the students’ sexuality.
“I have never met, talked to or seen the gentleman before his public statements on Tuesday,” said Marsee referring to comments.
Marsee also said there would be a full investigation into the matter and upon completion of the investigation the college’s director of human resources will give a full report to the college attorney.
After President Marsee’s statement student, staff, and community members spoke.
“If you need a translation from lawyer to english here it is: if you do not vote the way Dr. Marsee would like you to you shall be sued,” said Dr. William Ferraiolo, California Teachers Association second vice president.
The comments against Marsee repeated the sentiment that members of the campus community has “no confidence” in him.
Though some members of the community also talked positively about Marsee.
“Dr. Marsee has been a good steward of Delta College funds,” said Ron Addington, president of the Stockton Business Council.
Other community members also came forth in support of Marsee, who, according to them, has been positively committing time in the community.
“Honor who you hired,” said Sue DePolo of the San Joaquin A+, “(Marsee’s) community involvement is excellent.”
After more public comments in support and against Marsee, the board adjourned to closed session at 3:04 p.m.
The board reconvened to public session at 4:39 p.m.
“Upon unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees, President Superintendent Dr. Jeff Marsee is placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately and until further board action,” said Daniel Schroeder, board lawyer.
Kathy Hart, current vice president of instruction will serve as acting president/superintendent in Marsee’s absence.
Immediately following the announcement the trustees adjourned and board members left the theater, while those in attendance at the meeting milled discussing the outcome.
“(Paid Administrative Leave) is a procedural thing that we have always followed. We will not know the outcome until the board has made a final decision,” said Dana Baker, Delta’s CSEA President, after the meeting concluded.
