New Mexico attorney general files court motion to block $1.9 million severance for WNMU’s former president – Newz9

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed an emergency court motion looking for to block a $1.9 million severance cost to Joseph Shepardthe former president of Western New Mexico University (WNMUThe motion, filed on January 6, claims that the cost constitutes a misuse of public funds and breaches the Board of Regents‘Responsibility to act in the very best pursuits of the college. Shepard, who resigned as president final month after an audit revealed over $363,000 in improper spending, was provided the payout regardless of the monetary considerations. As quoted by the Santa Fe New MexicoTorrez condemned the motion, calling it an “egregious misuse of public funds.”
Excessive Payment Questioned
Torrez’s motion emphasizes that the $1.9 million payout is greater than thrice what Shepard would have been entitled to if his employment had been terminated with out trigger, which is the authorized minimal below his contract. The contract would have required WNMU to pay Shepard roughly $597,000, a sum a lot smaller than the quantity agreed upon by the board. As reported by Santa Fe New MexicoTorrez argued that the Board of Regents violated their fiduciary duties by approving the extreme cost “without justification or consideration of the public good.” The motion additional asserts that the board failed to discover different choices accessible for terminating Shepard’s contract, together with resignation or termination for trigger.
Details of Shepard’s Separation Agreement
The separation settlement not solely consists of the $1.9 million severance cost but in addition affords Shepard a tenured school place at WNMU’s School of Business, with a wage of not less than $200,000 yearly for 5 years. Additionally, Shepard was granted an eight-month sabbatical with full pay. These phrases had been unanimously authorized by the WNMU Board of Regents in a particular assembly held on December 20. Despite ongoing audits into Shepard’s spending, the board selected to transfer ahead with the settlement, elevating additional questions in regards to the determination-making course of.
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Torrez’s motion is asking the court to concern a brief restraining order to halt the payout till a full evidentiary listening to will be held. The state’s Department of Justice has argued that the settlement and the severance cost could also be unenforceable due to potential violations of public coverage, a scarcity of reputable consideration, and breach of fiduciary responsibility. The court’s determination on the motion is awaited, and the case continues to unfold.