ECC's president nets raise, contract extension

Elgin Community College trustees Tuesday approved a raise and contract extension for President David Sam, the second in his two-year tenure.

The pay bump - retroactive to Feb. 1 - brings Sam's total compensation this year to more than $270,000.

Sam's salary will rise by 5.5 percent, from $184,625 to $194,779.

All details of the contract remained the same, aside from a 5-day increase in vacation days, from 20 to 25.

Sam will continue to receive a $18,500 annual housing allowance and $10,000 annual annuity.

He will continue to receive a $500 monthly car allowance for business and personal use. The college provides Sam with a college-owned computer and printer for his home office and a cell phone.

Sam is also paid a $1,000 monthly stipend for nonreimbursable business expenses.

The contract - originally set to expire in 2011 - will now end in 2014.

Board Chairwoman Phyllis Folarin commented that she was "pleased from a personal perspective," about the decision.

Sam has been at ECC since February 2007. Before that, he was president of North Harris College in Texas.

Recently re-elected trustee Bob Getz was the lone trustee to vote against the new contract.

"I had gone through that campaign and one of the things that seemed to be most important to the voters is fiscal responsibility. ... One of the things was the president's pay raise last year. I couldn't vote to compound that area by another pay increase," he said.

In addition to the extension and as part of the benefits package, the board of trustees created a $1,000 student scholarship fund in honor of Sam and his wife, Julie. The fund, contributed to personally by all ECC trustees, will go through the ECC Foundation. The Sams will be able to choose how the money is allocated.