Hit the Road, Jackass, and Don't You Come Back No More, No More, No More, No More!

It appears to be official:  corrupt Vice-President of Business and Finance at Southwestern College Nick Alioto is out! According to an email sent off by his own pudgy, greasy little hands*, he has resigned from his position, effective immediately.

Here is the good news.

"Good Afternoon;

This past year has been one of conflicting emotions for many of us. I have come to know many good individuals who have devoted their lives to this institution and whom I am pleased to have had an opportunity to get to know. Regretfully, I came during a difficult period. I apologize for anything that I did to contribute to that.

This next year is critical for the College. I want to remove myself as a barrier to some people’s ability to focus on resolving our accreditation issues so, effective today, I have resigned. I would like to take this opportunity to extend to the campus community my best wishes.

Nick"

I'll give him credit for going out with a jaunty wave instead of the flying finger we know he meant, but that's it. This man was a cancer to Southwestern College and every other school he was associated with. 

Yeah, Wisconsin folks, I'm talking about the crap he put y'all through.

At the moment I've got no further information and nothing else to say. I hope to God that our Governing Board didn't have to pay him a meaty severance to send him packing. I prefer the idea that he heard the grand jury coming after him, decided to man up and resign.

But at the moment, it's all just a guessing game.

With Raj K. Chopra out, and now with Nick Alioto out, SWC can only look forward to better days. With our new interim superintendent and our brand-spanking shiny new Governing Board in place, it's time to wash the Alioto funk off this school and get back to the job of education.

I'll let you know more when I know it.


*I'm guessing. Allow me a bit of poetic license here, okay?

Raj Chopra is OUT at Southwestern College

It appears that all the hard work has paid off. This afternoon, embattled, embittered Superintendent Raj K. Chopra resigned from his position at Southwestern College, taking with him only six months' severance.

This was the second big victory for SWC's pro-student, pro-education, pro-faculty contingent, following the November elections that brought Norma Hernandez and Tim Nader to the Governing Board - along with a 3-member majority.

In fact, it was the former Board's insistence on standing by Raj Chopra that all costs - particularly when supporting his appalling short-sighted budget measures and ham-handed disciplinary actions against the faculty - that turned the election of the board from a formality into a crusade.

The public cannot fire the superintendent, you see; only the Governing Board can. But the public can - and did - fire the Board.

Things are looking up at Southwestern College.

I've included the press release from the school's resident PR flack, Chris "Truth-bender" Bender.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, November 30, 2010

CONTACT:
Chris Bender, Southwestern College
(619) 482 – 6564

CHOPRA ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE FROM SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE

CHULA VISTA, CA – Southwestern College today released the following statement on the departure of Superintendent/President Dr. Raj K. Chopra:

Dr. Raj K. Chopra is resigning from his current position as Southwestern College’s Superintendent/President effective Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Dr. Chopra’s Employment Contract was to expire on June 30, 2012, but the Governing Board and Dr. Chopra have agreed to end that Contract approximately 20 months early. This will permit the new Governing Board – which will be seated next month – to select a new leader to help the College build for ongoing success. As part of the written agreement between the Board and Dr. Chopra, signed by him today, Dr. Chopra will receive the equivalent of six months’ salary.

“I believe some important objectives have been achieved,” Chopra said. “The College, in spite of unprecedented financial problems at the state level, remains in good financial standing. With the accreditation visit completed this month, construction of the new facilities on the corner lot, the central HVAC and Field House well underway, and Proposition AA projects almost completed, it is the right time.” Chopra expressed his appreciation to the Governing Board for the opportunity to serve the students and community of Southwestern College.

The Governing Board greatly appreciates Dr. Chopra’s hard work, leadership and commitment to the College and his many significant accomplishments. The Board and College wish Dr. Chopra all the best for the future.

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