A recent Press Herald editorial questioned whether the terms of the UMS settlement with Dr. Michael Laliberte, following the failed University of Maine at Augusta presidential search, are being met (“Our View: UMaine System once again fails at transparency,” Sept. 9). The UMS board of trustees understands the ongoing frustrations expressed in the press and by members of the UMA community and others.
Michael R. Laliberte, left, who was to become the president of the University of Maine at Augusta, shakes hands with Dannel P. Malloy, chancellor of the University of Maine System. Laliberte, who withdrew before working his first day, is being paid by the university system until he secures other employment. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal, File
UMS staff have received regular reports from Dr. Laliberte documenting his efforts to find new employment. In our capacity as fiduciaries of the University of Maine System, the board independently reviewed those reports to assess Dr. Laliberte’s compliance with the requirement that he seek employment.
We are keenly interested in his success, recognizing that his employment would reduce or eliminate UMS’ continuing obligation to make payments to him. We have completed that review and have found significant evidence of job searches and the results of those job searches; and substantiation that Dr. Laliberte did not receive compensation for a short consulting opportunity.
We are aware that volunteer work assists unemployed job seekers to remain active and increase their positive visibility and marketability. We have seen no evidence that Dr. Laliberte’s consulting was more than that. We concluded that Dr. Laliberte has documented an ongoing, good-faith effort to meet his obligations under the terms of the settlement agreement.
The board takes seriously its role as stewards of public dollars and public trust in the University of Maine System. We conducted this review guided by that responsibility. We represent the public in all our work. Based on guidance from counsel, we cannot release confidential records related to Dr. Laliberte’s job search. And releasing such information could compromise Dr. Laliberte’s job search, which is neither in his interest nor ours. We have diligently monitored the implementation of the agreement with Dr. Laliberte, and we will continue to oversee his compliance with these conditions.
Trish Riley
chair, University of Maine System board of trustees
Orono
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