A recent meeting of the Lane Community College board saw a mix of criticism and defense over the administration’s handling of governance and contract negotiations with faculty members. The union representing faculty members sharply criticized President Stephanie Bulger, while some board members defended her actions.
The accusations against Bulger stem from allegations that she held meetings with board members outside of official public sessions, violating Oregon’s open-meeting law. However, since no quorum was present at these meetings, they are not officially considered meetings under the law. The legal responsibility for ensuring meetings are open rests with the board, not Bulger.
The union has also accused Bulger of usurping responsibilities that belong to the board, such as making decisions on program suspensions and course cancellations. They have launched a petition campaign calling on the board to reaffirm its role as the governing body of Lane Community College.
Some speakers at the meeting called for Bulger’s resignation or termination, while others defended her actions. Mary Spilde, a former LCC president, argued that Bulger’s meetings with board members were routine and necessary for effective decision-making.
However, the union and some faculty members disagree, citing concerns over negotiations on a new contract and allegations of undermining the board’s role in governing the college. They fear that the administration’s proposals would increase class sizes and faculty workloads, cut part-time faculty jobs, and reduce benefits.
The board has been criticized for its handling of governance issues, including a presentation from Selena M. Grace, the president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. She emphasized the importance of the board’s role in ensuring the sustainability and viability of the institution.
Financially, the college is facing challenges, with an estimated $500,000 deficit for the current fiscal year. The state Higher Education Coordinating Commission has indicated that state support could drop by 7.4% due to Oregon’s worsening fiscal condition, which would impact LCC’s finances by approximately $2.5 million annually.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing tensions between the board and administration over governance and contract negotiations. As one speaker noted, “Cynicism is not critical thinking and can lead to distrust.”
Source: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/education/2025/11/07/union-continues-attacks-on-lcc-president-at-marathon-board-meeting