Joliet, IL – Legal battles are shaping the dynamics within Joliet Junior College’s Board of Trustees following the contentious appointment of a new member. Robert Wunderlich, along with trustees Michelle Lee and Maureen Broderick, has initiated a lawsuit to contest the recent seating of Trustee Josh Stamborski, an event that has thrown the institution into a governance dilemma right before key decisions are due.
The dispute traces back to a Board meeting on September 25, where Wunderlich was initially approved for appointment before a surprising vote shift by Trustee Alicia Morales led to a 3-3 tie, blocking his accession. Despite the stalemate, the Board convened again on October 7, naming Stamborski to the previously contested seat in another close vote of 3-2, with one trustee abstaining.
The controversy reached the courts with claims that Wunderlich should rightfully occupy the position. The legal action has thrown a spotlight on the Board’s operational integrity, especially concerning the meeting where Morales reversed her supportive stance for Wunderlich, which Board legal advisors upheld as lawful under college governance procedures.
Alan Bruggeman, representing the plaintiffs, is pushing for an expedited administrative review, hoping for a judicial intervention before another Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The urgency of the matter relates to a significant agenda item – approving a new contract for College President Clyne Namuo, a decision potentially impacted by the lawsuit’s outcome.
“The timing of the judicial review is crucial,” Bruggeman stated. “Every decision made by this Board while the lawsuit is pending could be subject to nullification, depending on the ruling of the case.” He advised caution among board members about taking major decisions that may have to be reevaluated, depending on how the legal challenges unfold.
The lawsuit, filed in Will County court, names Joliet Junior College, President Clyne Namuo, and four other trustees, excluding Stamborski, as defendants. The case not only focuses on the legality of the Board’s previous decisions but also questions the procedural adherence to trustees’ appointments.
Stamborski took office during a period marked by previous trustee John “Jake” Mahalik’s August departure, adding layers to the Board’s ongoing reshuffle. The legal contention represents a critical juncture for the college, which prides itself on stability and has seen Wunderlich’s influential participation for over four decades, including periods as chairman.
The Board now faces a scenario fraught with potential leadership instability, as outcomes from the upcoming court review may dictate substantial rearrangements in governance roles. This situation unfolds as the community and stakeholders keep a wary eye on the broader implications for the educational institution’s direction and operational transparency. The resolution of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how disputes within educational boards are handled, emphasizing the intertwining of legal frameworks with educational governance. As the Joliet Junior College community looks toward Wednesday’s meeting, the intersections of law, leadership, and education continue to underscore the critical nature of governance in public institutions.