ECC boss gets stipend

Elgin Community College trustees unanimously approved a $1,000 monthly stipend for President David Sam to help him promote the interests of ECC.

"Dr. Sam routinely incurs business-related expenses for which he is not reimbursed," a recommendation to trustees said.

The expenses have "sometimes been more, sometimes been less" than $1,000 per month, Sam said Tuesday.

The contract amendment will allow Sam to continue those activities without "suffering significant and personal financial consequences," the recommendation said.

Sam's three-year contract calls for him to "maintain a positive image for ECC in the community, the state of Illinois and national academic institutions."

Sam's annual salary is $175,000.

He receives a $500 monthly car allowance for business and personal use.

And his contract entitles him to reimbursement for "reasonable business expenses incurred in the exercise of his duties as president, subject to providing proof of expenditures."

The new stipend would cover additional activities that Sam would not otherwise be reimbursed for, said Anthony Spahr, ECC managing director of human resources.

"Some of them might not be reimbursable," Spahr said. "For example, there might be a political speaker at the event, so a college employee can't request reimbursement, but it's important for the college to be represented at those kind of activities."

Sam also cited political events and chamber of commerce meetings as examples of expenses the stipend would cover.

Spahr said the board hired Sam, in part, because he had a strong reputation for interacting with the community.

Sam had a similar provision in his previous contract at North Harris College in Texas, Spahr said.

ECC is dedicated to responding to the needs of the community, Sam said.

"This is not a one-shot deal," Sam said. "It is to make sure we maintain our relationships and be strong participants in the community."