Harper president gets $240,000 salary, plus $20,000 for housing

Harper College trustees have approved a contract that puts new President Kenneth Ender's salary just below that of his predecessor.

Ender will be paid a base salary of $240,000 during the first year of a three-year contract effective July 1. Robert Breuder was making $247,804 at the time he left to become president of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

The Harper board will review the president's salary every year and increase it as members deem appropriate.

In accordance with his new contract, Ender must receive at least 24 months' notice if the board decides to terminate the contract, which otherwise automatically extends year-to-year.

In other compensation, Ender will receive a $20,000 annual housing allowance and a $1,000 monthly car allowance.

A deferred-compensation plan totaling $25,000 will also kick in June 30, 2010, and each subsequent anniversary.

In addition to the $2,300 supplemental benefit allowance specified in Harper's Administrative Benefits Program, Ender will receive $22,700 to buy various types of insurance and annuities.

The remaining items in the contract are up to the discretion of board Chairwoman Laurie Stone. For example, Ender will be reimbursed for "reasonable, out-of-pocket" relocation expenses that could include moving and temporary housing costs.

He will also be reimbursed for attending professional development programs such as conventions and seminars. The college will pay for his wife "at such activities and events from time to time."

Enders comes to the Palatine college from Cumberland County College in New Jersey, where he was president and CEO.