GODDARD COLLEGE MAY REHIRE FIRED STAFF MEMBERS

The Associated Press

PLAINFIELD - The new interim provost of Goddard College in Plainfield is considering rehiring some of the 16 staff members fired by outgoing President Richard Greene.

Jane Sanders spent most of Saturday reviewing the school's budget, trying to determine what is feasible.

She said nonadministrative employees were a priority.

"The staff needs more support; the faculty needs more support," she said. "People could be brought back on. We have to look at the educational needs and the financial restraints."

Sanders was named interim provost in the wake of Greene's resignation. While Greene is not officially leaving his post until Jan. l, he no longer has any authority at the liberal arts college.

Undergraduate enrollment for the school year will increase to 180 students, Sanders said. There will be 170 graduate students.

Greene's tenure at Goddard was marked by controversy. Many faculty members objected to his management style and decisions they believed were not in keeping with the school's democratic principles.

One of his most controversial moves was his efforts to save money by firing the staff members.

In the wake of Greene's resignation, which was announced Friday, Sanders was appointed provost, a position that oversees college operations.

Sanders said she had not considered applying for the president's job. The school does not have a schedule for hiring a replacement for Greene.

Sanders said the college's priority will not be hiring a new president, but rather having the college community plan the long-term direction of the school.

The school will examine the school's future and build on its philosophies.

"Times are difficult," Sanders said Saturday. "But this could be an impetus for us to move in the direction we want."