JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- One state lawmaker is calling on FSCJ's Board of Trustees to rescind the golden parachute given to Dr. Steven Wallace.
Dr. Steven Wallace stepped down as president on Tuesday, but still took a $1.2 million golden parachute. "I was shocked. I would not imagine giving a $1.2 million severance when he had issues while president," said Gov. Rick Scott.
Scott isn't happy about the deal. The board of trustee's approval of the contract was the tipping point that led him to call for an investigation. "I can't understand why doing that," said Gov. Scott. "You can't allow money to be spent like that."
State Senator John Thrasher agrees. We asked him exclusively about the problem at FSCJ. We asked if Wallace should've been given a severance. "Absolutely not. That's too much," said Thrasher. Thrasher thinks the contract should be rescinded.
Scott wouldn't say much about what may happen after the probe. But he didn't rule out replacing the college's board of trustees. The board makes many of the decisions about how taxpayers money is spent. "First let's get all the facts on the table," said Gov. Scott.
Action News has learned the deal with Dr. Wallace could affect the very makeup of the board. Six of the 9 members are still awaiting confirmation by the state senate. Sen. Thrasher said the investigation will be a concern for that.
Thrasher says between the new deal and the millions the college owes from Pell Grant mistakes made under Wallace's leadership, too much of taxpayers money is on the line. The governor agrees. "The kids and young adults that go here are the ones suffering," said Sen. Thrasher. "This is taxpayer money and supposed to be put into education for children," said Gov. Scott.
Action News has also learned the suspensions of four people for Pell Grant mistakes is on hold now. There are questions surrounding the independent firm's audit.
