Taxpayers deserve to know what they are paying for at UNT

Why is higher ed so expensive?

Could part of it be because decisions are made, without informing the paying public, and we will “never know” But we will be paying for it.

Last week, the President of the Univeristy of North Texas announced her departure. The UNT Chancellor refuses to tell why the board and the President mutually agreed to her departure.

Moreover, we learn that the departing president, Gretchen Bataille, leaves with a package worth about $1 million, including severance pay. She can receive up to $20,000 for legal fees and costs "incurred with the preparation of this agreement."

http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1977202.html

This from the Ft Worth Star-Telegram: University of North Texas students and faculty members voiced frustrations Wednesday after meeting with UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson and other officials, who would not answer questions about why President Gretchen Bataille resigned suddenly last week. Some also wondered whether Provost Wendy Wilkins, who received a standing ovation during the forum, will stay at UNT. UNT junior Valerie Gonzalez said officials "danced around our questions" regarding Bataille's resignation. http://www.star-telegram.com/local/story/1977202.html

The Dallas Morning News is right to say taxpayers deserve some answers:
We still don't know exactly what's behind this University of North Texas mess, the one that resulted in President Gretchen Bataille abruptly resigning after a routine meeting this month with Chancellor Lee Jackson. We do know this: Texas taxpayers fund much of UNT's freight, and they deserve a clearer explanation. Jackson insists that Bataille's resignation after a little more than three years as president has nothing to do with the school's goal of becoming a leading research university. It instead involves internal management operations.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-bataille_0218edi.State.Edition1.28302c4.html

This blogger is wondering: Could it have anything to do with the President’s lobbying legislators in favor of the “local option” gas tax? http://www.lonestarreport.org/Management/BlogManagement/tabid/62/EntryId/415/UNT-President-endorses-transit-tax-hike-on-state-stationery.aspx

Here’s the bottom line: either a public official leaves empty-handed or the public is informed if we are paying for their departure. It’s a simple as that.