Resources and Links
July 28, 2023
CdA Press Editorial
EDITORIAL: Avoid another legal misstep, NIC Trustees
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/jul/28/editorial-nic-trustees-must-avoid-legal-misstep/
"With NIC's very accreditation hanging in the balance, trustees need to hire the most qualified and affordable legal counsel available. At least one strong option exists, and it is not Boyles Law."
July 11, 2023
360 Coverage: North Idaho College president, Nick Swayne, sits down for his first interview following college making national headlines.
KHQ, John Webb
June 3, 2023
NIC remains accredited
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/jul/08/nic-remains-under-show-cause/
"This is considered a neutral decision. This path equates no change in the college's current status for a period of one year or less. At the end of an extension, the NWCCU may reaffirm accreditation, take adverse action or consider a second and final extension of one year or less," said NIC on its website."
"This allows more time for NIC to get back in compliance with accreditation standards after receiving the show cause sanction in February. Show cause is the last step before loss of accreditation."
July 7, 2023
KHQ, Noah Corrin
North Idaho College keeps accreditation, for now
“...the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities issued a decision keeping the school under sanction but extending its accreditation for up to a year — essentially providing a bit of breathing room for school leadership."
June 25, 2023
NIC awaits accredation decision
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
June 3, 2023
Swayne wins reinstatement lawsuit
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Judge Cynthia Meyer granted a motion for summary judgment, which affirms that NIC cannot place Swayne on administrative leave under the terms of his employment agreement, which is valid and remains in effect.
May 30, 2023
MagicValley.com, Jim Jones
JONES: North Idaho College debacle demonstrates dangers of extremism.
“The efforts of the concerned citizens group, Save NIC, to push back against the destructive antics of the Regan trustees may be bearing fruit. They have awakened the community as to the danger posed by the Regan bunch. With the help of other good folk in the community, they might be able to save this treasured community college from destruction at the hands of Regan and his Freedom Foundation acolytes.” ~ Jim Jones, former Idaho Attorney General (R) & retired Chief Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court.
May 24, 2023
NIC attorney Art Macomber resigns following board vote to keep him.
May 17, 2023
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Peer Panel Review Report
May 10, 2023
CdA Pres, Kaye Thornbrugh
President Swayne asks court for summary judgement
May 3, 2023
Judge upholds Swayne's resinstatment
Judge Cynthia Meyer has reaffirmed an order requiring North Idaho College to reinstate Nick Swayne as the college’s president.
April 28, 2023
CdA Press, Christa Hazel
Guest Opinion: KCRCC requires Nevada astroturf to fight Idaho's grassroots.
April 26, 2023
KHQ, John Webb
The Macomber Report revealed
April 25, 2023
The Macomber Report https://www.nic.edu/facts/report.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1r1J4u--w5oHvCCym-uvDsiXSqSpiXCN09HqtwpYInZG6TywPAYuYkr9M
The Macomber Report was prepared by NIC Attorney Art Macomber. It is pure speculation at best.
April 23, 2023
CdA Press, Maureen Dolan
Analysis: Board meeting could seal NIC's fate
April 21, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Emails show NIC Trustees, lawyer planned meetings in private.
April 6, 2023
Idaho Ed News, Kevin Richert
Analysis: NIC pays a high price for dysfunction and discord
NIC’s legal maneuverings contradict the college’s own report to accreditors — which said that Meyer’s order and the trustees’ subsequent reinstatement vote “made it clear to the campus, the board, and the community” that Swayne was the college’s president.
April 1, 2023
Spokesman Review, James Hanlon
North Idaho College submits accreditation report amid court battle with President
March 28, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Public NIC meeting canceled https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/29/public-nic-meeting-canceled/
"Approximately 40 community members gathered upstairs for the public session scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m. But around 4:20 p.m., the college announced the public session had been canceled.
Laura Rumpler, NIC’s chief communications officer, said the board adjourned the executive session in private at 4:56 p.m., ahead of a 5 p.m. Zoom workshop with the college’s accreditor, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities."
"Trustees left the closed meeting room through a back door and reconvened in the Meyer Health & Sciences Building for the workshop."
March 30, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
South approved $40K exit bonus to temporary NIC employee NIC employee
A March 16 email from North Idaho College President Nick Swayne to the college's trustees revealed that Greg South, the interim president now on administrative leave, altered the contract of a temporary employee to add a $40,000 exit bonus after that employee had already resigned.
March 28, 2023
KHQ, John Webb
360 Coverage: The future of North Idaho College if accreditation is lost.
Great interview coverage of timeline plus an interview with NWCCU President on the the future if accreditation is lost.
March 28, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Public NIC meeting canceled https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/29/public-nic-meeting-canceled/
"Approximately 40 community members gathered upstairs for the public session scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m. But around 4:20 p.m., the college announced the public session had been canceled.
Laura Rumpler, NIC’s chief communications officer, said the board adjourned the executive session in private at 4:56 p.m., ahead of a 5 p.m. Zoom workshop with the college’s accreditor, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities."
"Trustees left the closed meeting room through a back door and reconvened in the Meyer Health & Sciences Building for the workshop."
March 28, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Special NIC meeting today
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/28/special-nic-meeting-today/
North Idaho College has amended the agenda of today’s special meeting to include an open session after the executive session, where they are expected to take action on the draft response to NIC’s accreditor and a new policy regarding “president succession.”
North Idaho College has amended the agenda of today’s special meeting to include an open session after the executive session, where they are expected to take action on the draft response to NIC’s accreditor and a new policy regarding “president succession.”
March 28, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Swayne Responds to attempted reinstatement reversal
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/28/swayne-responds-attempted-reinstatement-reversal/
"In new filings, Swayne denied accusations that he gave inaccurate testimony and that he has engaged in “deeply troubling behavior” since his reinstatement, including directing members of his cabinet not to communicate directly with NIC’s legal counsel.
“NIC placed Dr. Swayne on leave in December 2022 and still cannot provide a coherent, honest reason for so doing,” court documents said. “Instead, its justifications have continued to evolve, despite the fact that it still has presented zero evidence to support the existence of any active investigation.”
March 23, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC athletics conference change unlikely
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/23/nic-athletics-conference-change-unlikely/
“NIC President Nick Swayne revealed during Wednesday night’s trustee meeting that the National Junior College Athletic Association rejected proposals from NIC seeking to move some of the college's sports into the Scenic West Athletic Conference.
“Essentially what they said was ‘You’ve got to fix your accreditation first and then if you want to reapply, do that for the 24-25 season,’” Swayne said.
The proposals came from Interim President Greg South, who reached out to the NJCAA in January and again in February after trustees voted in December to explore changing conferences. Though trustees stipulated that NIC would “open the budget” for such a change, no formal calculation of costs was performed.
March 21, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC seeks to reverse Swayne’s reinstatement
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/21/nic-seeks-reverse-swaynes-reinstatement/
Greg South, Todd Banducci and other leaders at North Idaho College are pushing back against a judge’s order to reinstate President Nick
Greg South, Todd Banducci and other leaders at North Idaho College are pushing back against a judge’s order to reinstate President Nick
Swayne.
March 21, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC Attorney billed $26K in February
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/21/nic-attorney-billed-26k-february/
Macomber billed a total of $26,659.58 for work done last month. The Press obtained Macomber’s February invoice Tuesday after submitting a public records request.
Since his hiring in December 2022, Macomber has billed the college a little more than $74,000. He charges NIC $325 an hour for his services.
March 17, 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC responds to community questions
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/17/nic-responds-community-questions/
"In order to remain accredited, NIC must meet 22 eligibility requirements. Those requirements fall under two categories, Swayne said, student success and institutional effectiveness, and the area NIC has been dinged for by the NWCCU: governance, resources and capacity.
“The issue that we have before us is governance,” Swayne said. “That’s what we have to respond to.”
As part of its response to the accrediting body, NIC must submit a teach out plan, which includes a list of the college’s academic programs, as well as a list of currently enrolled students and their progress toward degree completion. NIC must also submit a list of regional institutions that offer similar programs.
March 15, 2023
Salt Lake Tribune, Jack Jenkins
In north Idaho, religious and secular activists work to fight Christian nationalism
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/03/15/north-idaho-religious-secular/
Episcopal bishop decries Christian nationalism as “heresy for Christians and dangerous rhetoric for all Americans.”
March 15, 2023
Idaho Ed News, Kevin Richert and Sadie Dittenber
Statehouse roundup, 3.15.23: Tension ignites over community college proposals
"Nothing in Idaho Code dictates how NIC’s tumult should be handled, according to McCann. And since the school is governed by a board of locally elected trustees, the State Board can’t intervene, which is what the North Idaho lawmaker wants to change.
But other North Idaho lawmakers took issue with McCann’s efforts, igniting a contentious debate.
Rep. Elaine Price, R-Coeur d’Alene, said the bill would erode the authority of locally elected trustees.
“This is just super disturbing to me,” said Price, obviously heated.
March 7, 2023
Inside Higher Ed, Scott Jaschik
Board Reinstates President of North Idaho College
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2023/03/07/board-reinstates-president-north-idaho-college
"In her ruling, Meyer said, “The board’s majority has wrongfully locked its captain in the brig while steering NIC toward an iceberg. The board’s decision to keep him on leave without cause is hostile and arbitrary.” She added, “It appears that the investigation [into Swayne] is a sham and a pretext for Dr. Swayne’s removal from his position as president.” She granted a preliminary injunction ordering the reinstatement.
March 6, 2023
New York Times, Charles Homans
The MAGA-fication of North Idaho College
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/06/us/politics/north-idaho-college-republicans.html
"G.O.P. activists set out to root out the “deep state” at home. An Idaho community college may never be the same.
March 3, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Judge orders NIC to resinstate Swayne to president's office
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/03/swayne-reinstated-judge/
"The court notes that, when Open Meeting Law violations occurred in the December 5, 2022, and December 8, 2022, Board of Trustee meetings, the Board corrected those errors within weeks, not months, and without the Board placing Mr. Macomber on leave," Meyer wrote. "To the court, it appears that the investigation is sham and pretext for Dr. Swayne’s removal from his position as President. This conduct violates the covenant of good faith and fair dealing and constitutes sustained harm against Dr. Swayne by the Board."
20230303 Memorandum Decision and Order Granting Plaintiffs Motion for Preliminary Injunction.pdfMarch 3, 2023
CdA Press, EDITORIAL
Clearing up a stream of NIC sludge
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/03/editorial-clearing-stream-nic-bunk/
"Prove it. Produce clear and convincing evidence that students, staff or faculty are routinely punished for harboring conservative viewpoints. If that were even remotely true, the list of can’t-miss lawsuits against NIC would be longer than Pinocchio’s snout. The columnist stated that the three main responsibilities of NIC trustees are approving the budget, setting policy and hiring the president. What he left out was the No. 1 responsibility, which is true of any trustee: Ensuring the entity remains financially viable."
March 1, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC Faculty Assembly censures trustees, college attorney.
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/mar/01/nic-faculty-assembly-censures-trustees-college-att/
"Faculty Assembly has called on South, Bradford and Forkum to “immediately cease and desist” making any substantive changes to NIC, including department restructuring, staffing decisions and other operational changes that are the responsibility of “permanent, legitimate and legally hired leadership.”
February 28, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC Diversity Council denounces harassment of students
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/28/nic-diversity-council-denounces-heckling-toward-st/
“In a December 2022 livestream featuring local blogger Casey Whalen, Foxx bragged that he had called multiple people an antigay slur at a meeting of North Idaho College’s board of trustees.
“He’s like, ‘Oh wow, you’re like a literal Nazi, aren’t you?’ And I was like, ‘You’re like a literal f—t, aren’t you?” Foxx said, laughing. “He walked away with his head down. He did, like, the virgin walk down the whatever, down the hallway.”
March 1, 2023
The Chronicle, Dan Bauman
After Final Warning From Its Accreditor, North Idaho College's Credit Rating is Downgraded
https://www.chronicle.com/article/after-final-warning-from-its-accreditor-north-idaho-colleges-credit-rating-is-downgraded?cid2=gen_login_refresh&cid=gen_sign_in
"Still, even if the Northwest Commission declines to terminate North Idaho’s accreditation this summer, the clock is still ticking for the institution. Federal regulations explicitly bar accreditors from extending accreditation in perpetuity to a sanctioned institution."
February 28, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
LAWSUIT FILED: "Lawsuit alleges NIC, Rumpler violated public records act"
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/28/lawsuit-alleges-nic-rumpler-violated-public-record/
The suit alleges NIC and Rumpler violated Idaho public records laws multiple times by not providing in whole, or in part, lawful requests for public records made by the newspaper. The lawsuit also alleges NIC and Rumpler failed to comply with mandatory timeframes for responding to the newspaper’s public records requests.
February 28, 2023
KHQ, John Webb
Cda council members receive online threat following discussion of NIC accreditation
https://www.khq.com/news/cda-council-members-receive-online-threat-following-discussion-of-nic-accreditation/article_bc261d02-b7c0-11ed-a28d-9f1a188ad812.html
“Threatening or not, this type of online behavior has become a norm across the U.S., people fighting with one another and causing hurt. Unfortunately, it’s here in North Idaho and Wood says there’s just no room for it. “It’s destructive. It makes it really difficult for government to operate appropriately,” Wood said
February 25, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Judge considers injunction in Swayne's lawsuit
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/25/judge-considers-injunction-swaynes-lawsuit/
“Just wait, you only have 52 days left,” NIC Trustee Todd Banducci reportedly told Swayne via email in September 2022, referring to the November election when three new trustees would be elected. The Press has requested a copy of the email from North Idaho College.
February 24, 2023
Idaho Statesman, Bryan Clark
OPINION: North Idaho College board doesn't seem good for anything. Except paying its friends.
https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article272593967.html
"The board has made no apparent progress toward saving the North Idaho College — which isn’t surprising because the only part of the institution that’s ever shown itself to be a systematic failure is its far-right-dominated board. The staff are as good as they ever were. So are the students, the chief victims of this catastrophe of misgovernment."
February 22, 2023
Spokesman Review, James Hanlon
Community turns out for heated meeting in wake of North Idaho College accreditation threat
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/22/community-turns-out-for-heated-meeting-in-wake-of-/
“Accreditation is being threatened for political, not academic reasons,” Regan said.
February 22, 2023
CdA Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
'Rise for NIC'
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/22/rise-nic/
Jason Droesch is a third-generation NIC graduate and a math instructor at the college. He pushed back on claims that NIC instructors “indoctrinate” students into certain political ideologies, a narrative that McKenzie, Banducci and McKenzie have all promoted.
“We’re not in the business of indoctrination,” he said, to applause from the crowd. “We try to give people the opportunity to think for themselves.”
February 22, 2023
NIC Sentinel, Cory McDermott
Faculty and Students gather on field to voice their dissatisfaction with board leadership and concerns about accreditation.
https://nicsentinel.com/2023/02/faculty-and-students-gather-on-field-to-voice-their-dissatisfaction-with-board-leadership-and-concerns-about-accreditation/
“I want to make sure that this college is around for future students,” said Droesch.
February 17, 2023
KHQ, John Webb
North Idaho College students react to accreditation drama.
www.khq.com/news/north-idaho-college-students-react-to-accreditation-drama/article_d7b4c59e-ad90-11ed-9aba-bf6525023bbf.html
"I am just really frustrated by the way the board of trusses is behaving because a lot of us students are taking time to tell them how we feel and voicing these frustrations with our money being wasted and them doing things that are illegal,” First Year NIC student, Presley Steele said."
February 16, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Judge rejects NIC subpoenas.
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/16/judge-quashes-north-idaho-college-subpoenas/
"Walther said attorneys from a different firm had agreed to substitute as counsel in the case but later decided not to. That was the reason for the short notice of his motion to withdraw, he said.
“My clients and I disagree on what to do,” Walther said. “I’m really stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
February 15, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Lakeland to move away from NIC for dual credit.
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/15/ljsd-looking-other-colleges-dual-enrollment/
"“When I was reaching out to the state with regard to dual credit, the last thing I heard from them was the intention that NIC would maintain its accreditation,” Arnold said. “That has changed, and I do believe that they’re in danger of losing their accreditation. At this point, it’s probably in our best interest and in the best interest of our kids to be ready to move to a different platform.”
February 15, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC attorney withdraws from Swayne lawsuit
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/15/nic-attorney-withdraws-swayne-lawsuit/
"The attorney representing North Idaho College in the lawsuit levied by President Nick Swayne has filed a motion to withdraw as counsel, citing “irreconcilable breakdown of the attorney-client relationship.”
February 12, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Editorial
No denying it: NIC in serious trouble.
cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/12/editorial-no-denying-it-nic-serious-trouble/
"Until we, as a community, fully understand that the danger is real; that Trustees Greg McKenzie, Todd Banducci and Mike Waggoner must right their many wrongs promptly, thoroughly and provably; and until we, as a community, hold these men personally accountable, even darker days await our college on the lake.”
February 11, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
'No additional chances': After show caue sanction, North Idaho College admin meet with accreditors.
cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/11/no-additional-chances/
"North Idaho College Interim President Greg South has called on the board of trustees, college staff and the community to take ownership of the problems at NIC and be part of the solution.
South sent an email message to NIC employees Friday evening advising that, along with two trustees and two college representatives, he met earlier in the day on the NIC campus with Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, as well as with other representatives from NIC’s accrediting organization, following an action letter of “show cause” issued Thursday.”
February 11, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
'No additional chances': After show caue sanction, North Idaho College admin meet with accreditors.
cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/11/no-additional-chances/
"North Idaho College Interim President Greg South has called on the board of trustees, college staff and the community to take ownership of the problems at NIC and be part of the solution.
South sent an email message to NIC employees Friday evening advising that, along with two trustees and two college representatives, he met earlier in the day on the NIC campus with Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, as well as with other representatives from NIC’s accrediting organization, following an action letter of “show cause” issued Thursday.”
February 10, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC receives show cause letter from accrediting agency.
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/10/north-idaho-college-hit-show-cause-letter/
"The letter highlights a section from the NWCCU’s accreditation actions policy, which states the organization may place an institution in show cause status when it does not appear to be in compliance with accreditation standards, eligibility requirements or applicable federal regulations, and “there is evidence the non-compliance is sufficiently egregious such that it raises concerns the institution: has not made sufficient progress toward achieving compliance; does not appear to demonstrate capacity to comply with Standards for Accreditation, Eligibility Requirements, Policies, or applicable federal regulations under a timeframe set by the Commission...; is in imminent danger of closing; has demonstrated a lack of integrity, truthfulness, or responsibility, and the Commission determines students may be harmed; or information from monitoring activities suggests serious concerns related to student achievement, viability and capacity, or financial health.”
February 5, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, EDITORIAL
Step up now to save your college.
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/05/editorial-ante-now-save-your-college/
"The website, SaveNIC.org, explains clearly and succinctly, with statistics and irrefutable facts, how Banducci & Co. have been destroying the college. It’s a hyperbole-free picture showing precisely why NIC is on the verge of losing its accreditation and possibly, its life."
February 3, 2023
The Chronicle of Higher Education, Dan Bauman
Could North Idaho College Really Lose its Accreditation?
https://www.chronicle.com/article/could-north-idaho-college-really-lose-its-accreditation?
"Because public colleges and universities like North Idaho College so rarely test the limits of their relationships with accreditors, what happens next at the institution will likely provide valuable insight into how much upheaval a body like NWCCU is willing to accept before it completely loses trust in a governing board. “We don’t have a line in terms of how far activist boards can go, and this could help establish a line for this accreditor in terms of how far it is willing to let the board go."
February 3, 2023
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kay Thornbrugh
Former NIC trustees, lawyer see to quash subpoenas.
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/feb/03/former-nic-trustees-lawyer-seek-quash-subp/
"Macomber’s participation as both counsel and a witness to the litigation violates the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct, Lyons said, which generally prohibit lawyers from acting as advocates at a trial in which they are likely to be necessary witnesses.
“Consequently, any subpoenas issued by Macomber would have been issued improperly and should be quashed."
January 26 , 2023
Boise State Public Radio, James Dawson
North Idaho College's accreditation questioned by lawmakers.
www.boisestatepublicradio.org/politics-government/2023-01-26/north-idaho-colleges-accreditation-questioned-by-lawmakers
"State budget writers grilled the newly installed president of North Idaho College Thursday morning over threats to the institution’s academic accreditation.
Since 2021, NIC’s far-right majority board has fired one president and suspended another while repeatedly violating open meetings laws."
January 18 , 2023
KREM 2 NEWS, Kaye Thornbrugh/CdA Press
NIC has three new leadership team members.
https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/idaho/north-idaho-college-new-members/293-78c3f39c-69c0-4d8d-9e6e-e5e45fca6e48
"The new hires include Peggy Bradford, NIC’s interim provost, and Debbie DiThomas, who the college confirmed Tuesday is “in a consulting role as Special Assistant to the President.”
A third new employee, James Forkum, NIC’s interim dean of Student Life, is reportedly working remotely and will be on campus next week.
Laura Rumpler, NIC’s chief communications officer, said the three employees began to work for NIC “on or around” Jan. 9.
NIC has not provided salary information for any of the new hires, although The Press has made multiple requests for it."
January 13 , 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Editorial
NIC Public Record Block Illegal
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/22/editorial-nic-public-record-block-illegal/
“On multiple occasions, The Press filed formal records requests for contracts detailing pay, benefits and perks of recently hired employees at North Idaho College. It is Chief Communications Officer Laura Rumpler’s responsibility to provide that information on a timely basis spelled out clearly in Idaho statutes.
Yet Rumpler argued that employment agreements for some of the new hires was not a matter of public record, and her comments were published in Press articles. She should know better, as handling public records requests is an important part of her job."
January 13 , 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
President Swayne Asks Court for Injunction
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/21/swayne-asks-court-injunction/
“I am gravely concerned that NIC is taking actions that are not fiscally responsible and may result in NIC incurring additional costs that were not previously budgeted for,” said Swayne, in the court documents."
January 13 , 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Interim president to evaluate ASNIC
https://cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/16/nic-trustees-will-meet-wednesday/
“It seems like, if I’m going to be quite frank, political theater,” Maxwell said. “I don’t care where I sit. I just want to fix accreditation.”
From Maxwell’s perspective, the inclusion of a nonvoting student trustee might give the appearance that the college values student perspectives without giving any real weight to them.
“Really, they’re just putting me from one important table to another important table,” he said.
January 12 , 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Interim president added to NIC lawsuit.
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/12/nic-interim-president-named-lawsuit/
"The lawsuit asks the court to declare that some of the actions committed by the defendants constitute “fraud, malfeasance and/or a breach of fiduciary duties” and to nullify any actions that violate Idaho law or were beyond the authority of NIC’s trustees."
January 11 , 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Editorial
Two big steps to save NIC
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/11/editorial-two-big-steps-save-nic/
"The way to kill the college now appears to be to bankrupt it via aggravated fiduciary failure. It's ironic that what these three and their unqualified new attorney, Art Macomber, are doing is the antithesis to fiscal conservatism."
January 10 , 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
North Idaho STEM Charter Academy dials back dual credit at NIC
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/10/north-idaho-stem-charter-academy-dials-bac/
January 8, 2023
The Spokesman Review, James Hanlon
North Idaho College responds to accrediting agency's warning letter after controversial decisions by Board of Trustees
www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jan/08/north-idaho-college-responds-to-accrediting-agency/
January 8, 2023
The Spokesman Review, Shawn Vestal
NIC board scores big with Holocaust denier, not so much the bond raters
www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jan/08/shawn-vestal-nic-board-a-big-hit-with-holocaust-de/
January 7, 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC Attorney subpoenas employees, former trustees
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/07/nic-attorney-subpoenas-employees-former-trustees/
January 5, 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Tim Christie
MY TURN: Consequeces of accreditation loss are coming
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/05/my-turn-consequences-accreditation-loss-are-coming/
January 5, 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC interim president receives 18-month contract
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/05/north-idaho-college-interim-president-gets-18-mont/
January 5, 2023
Inside Higher Ed, Josh Moody
North Idaho College Faces Bond Ratings Review
www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2023/01/05/north-idaho-college-faces-bond-ratings-review
January 4, 2023
Coeur d'Alene Press, Former CdA Mayor Steve Widmyer
My Turn: Don't forget the students; resinstate Swayne
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/04/my-turn-widmyer/
January 3, 2023
Inside Higher Ed, Josh Moody
Reshaping North Idaho College
www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/01/03/board-trustees-drives-dramatic-change-idaho-college
January 3, 2023
Inside Higher Ed, Josh Moody
Reshaping North Idaho College
www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/01/03/board-trustees-drives-dramatic-change-idaho-college
December 30, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, EDITORIAL
The story of NIC tragedy in 11 chapters
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/30/editorial-story-nic-tragedy-11-chapters/
December 24, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Many have invested in NIC
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/24/accreditation-loss-would-be-legal-nightmare-north-/
December 22, 2022
KREM 2
https://youtu.be/LAeBdIW21MY
December 22, 2022
Idaho Ed News, Kevin Richert
Divided NIC board picks an acting president
www.idahoednews.org/kevins-blog/divided-nic-board-picks-an-acting-president/
December 21, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Lawsuit filed against NIC, trustees and attorney
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/21/cd-attorney-sues-north-idaho-college/
December 21, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Damian Maxwell (ASNIC President)
NIC: Trustees should reinstate Swayne immediately
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/21/nic-trustees-should-reinstate-swayne-immediately/
December 21, 2022
Idaho Ed News, Kevin Richert
State Board pledges to stand behind NIC students
www.idahoednews.org/news/liebich-state-board-has-limited-ability-to-solve-nics-problems/
December 20, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC trustees to meet Wednesday to discuss Open Meeting Law violations
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/20/north-idaho-college-trustees-meet-tomorrow/
December 19, 2022
Inside Higher Ed, Scott Jaschik
President at North Idaho, placed on leave, sues
www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2022/12/19/president-north-idaho-placed-leave-sues
December 19, 2022
Idaho Ed News, Kevin Richert
The Latest at NIC: a lawsuit, a warning letter, a series of no-confidence votes
www.idahoednews.org/news/the-latest-at-nic-a-lawsuit-a-warning-letter-a-series-of-no-confidence-votes/
December 18, 2022
Daily Kos, David Neiwert
Far-right takeover of Idaho community college board has predictably dire, chaotic consequences
www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/12/18/2142630/-Idaho-community-college-becomes-living-example-of-how-far-right-power-grabs-hollow-out-institutions
December 15, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Lyons responds to Macomber's claims
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/15/longtime-nic-lawyer-lyons-responds-macombers-claim/
December 15, 2022
The Inlander, Daniel Walters
The far right is winning in North Idaho and stoking havoc at the local community college, with a little help from an alt-right filmaker.
www.inlander.com/spokane/the-far-right-is-winning-in-north-idaho-and-stoking-havoc-at-the-local-community-college-with-a-little-help-from-an-alt-right-filmmaker/Content?oid=25101092
December 9, 2022
Spokesman Review, Shawn Vestal
Sadly for NIC, its back to square one for the board that couldn't shoot straight.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/dec/09/shawn-vestal-sadly-for-nic-its-back-to-square-one-/
December 6, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
New NIC board elects McKenzie chair, hires Macomber
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/06/north-idaho-college-trustees-hire-new-attorney/
December 4, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, EDITORIAL
NIC at edge of thin legal ice
cdapress.com/news/2022/dec/04/editorial-nic-edge-thin-legal-ice/
November 28, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Lyons resigns as North Idaho College attorney
cdapress.com/news/2022/nov/28/lyons-resigns-north-idaho-college-attorney/
November 10, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Split results in NIC trustee races
cdapress.com/news/2022/nov/10/nic-trustee-races/
November 9, 2022
Spokesman Review
Mixed Election Results for North Idaho College
www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/nov/09/north-idaho-college-board-race-shows-mixed-results/
November 3, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Marc Lyons
MY TURN: NIC Attorney clarifies property acquisitions
cdapress.com/news/2022/nov/03/nic-attorney-clarifies-property-acquisitions/
November 1, 2022
Idaho Education News, Kevin Richert
Two years later, NIC faces another pivotal trustee election
www.idahoednews.org/news/two-years-later-nic-faces-another-pivotal-trustee-election/
November 1, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Art Macomber
MY TURN: Saving NIC from its "friends"
cdapress.com/news/2023/jan/05/my-turn-consequences-accreditation-loss-are-coming/
October 25, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press
Trustees Approve Property Purchase
cdapress.com/news/2022/oct/25/nic-trustees-approve-property-purchase/
October 21, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press
NIC experts weigh in during a panel discussion
cdapress.com/news/2022/oct/21/nic-experts-weigh/
October 20, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press
My Turn: NIC Board of Trustees Election by Tim Christie
MY TURN: NIC Board of Trustees Election
October 19, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Indoctrination narrative unsubstantiated
cdapress.com/news/2022/oct/19/nic-trustee-candidates-share-unsubstantiated-claim/
October 13, 2022
Idaho Press - Betsy Russell
Slate of GOP-backed candidates targets Idaho College Board Posts
Slate of GOP-backed candidates targets Idaho College Board Posts
October 6, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Three candidates speak at NIC forum
cdapress.com/news/2022/oct/06/three-candidates-speak-nic-forum/
October 2, 2022
North Idaho Enterprise Feature - Hagadone News Network
Our people, our assets
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b1NGcHfLXbvGqNxZfUWlbSWKJwwb-7V-/view?usp=sharing
September 30, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press
MY TURN: Do your homework; NIC and the business community
https://cdapress.com/news/2022/sep/30/my-turn-do-your-homework/
September 22, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press
Waggoner announces run for NIC Trustee position
cdapress.com/news/2022/sep/22/waggoner-announces-run-nic-trustee-position/
September 10, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC trustee candidates finalized
cdapress.com/news/2022/sep/10/nic-trustee-candidates-finalized/
September 4, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, EDITORIAL
NIC: Time to put the trust back in trustee
cdapress.com/news/2022/sep/04/nic-time-put-trust-back-trustee/
August 23, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press
Wood receives NIC trustee emeritus status
https://cdapress.com/news/2022/aug/23/wood-receives-nic-trustee-emeritus-s/
August 19, 2022
North Idaho College - YouTube
Start strong. Show up. Win free tuition. Welcome back from our new president, Nick Swayne.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuLIDndPOj4
August 17, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press
Broschet announces run for NIC Trustee position
cdapress.com/news/2022/aug/17/broschet-announces-candidacy-nic-trustee-seat/
August 14, 2022
The Spokesman-Review
‘We have to get that fixed’: North Idaho College’s new president eager to address enrollment decline, accreditation issues
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/aug/14/we-have-to-get-that-fixed-north-idaho-colleges-new/
August 13, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Christie Wood
MY TURN: Telling it like it is
cdapress.com/news/2022/aug/13/my-turn-telling-it-it/
July 21, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press
Corkill announces run for NIC Trustee position
cdapress.com/news/2022/jul/21/corkill-announces-candidacy-nic-trustee-seat/
July 15, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC Trustees approve president's contract
cdapress.com/news/2022/jul/15/nic-trustees-approve-presidents-contract/
June 30, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Steve Masterson (President, NIC Foundation)
MY TURN: Two years of pandemic and political challenges
cdapress.com/news/2022/jun/30/my-turn-two-years-pandemic-and-political-challenge/
June 11, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC trustees clash during presidential interview
cdapress.com/news/2022/jun/11/trustees-clash-during-presidential-interview/
May 26, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Devin Weeks
NIC Trustees move closer to hiring a permanent president
cdapress.com/news/2022/may/26/nic-trustees-move-closer-hiring-perm/
May 17, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
New NIC trustees look ahead
cdapress.com/news/2022/may/17/new-nic-trustees-look-ahead/
May 14, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC board has new leadership
cdapress.com/news/2022/may/14/nic-board-has-new-leadership/
May 11, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press
Insurer won’t renew NIC’s policy
https://cdapress.com/news/2022/may/11/insurer-wont-renew-nics-policy/
May 6, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
State Board of Education appoints new NIC trustees
cdapress.com/news/2022/may/06/web-state-board-education-appoints-new-nic-trustee/
May 3, 2022
Inside Higher Ed
College’s Board Hits a Breaking Point
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/05/03/what-happens-when-board-trustees-completely-broken
April 28, 2022
Idaho Capital Sun, Clark Corbin
Two North Idaho College trustees sue State Board of Education
idahocapitalsun.com/2022/04/28/two-north-idaho-college-trustees-sue-state-board-of-education/
April 13, 2022
Idaho Reports - Soundcloud
The Eye of the Hurricane
https://soundcloud.com/idaho-reports/episode-the-eye-of-the-hurricane
April 9, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
NIC trustee Wood and Howard resign
cdapress.com/news/2022/apr/09/nic-trustees-resign/
April 8, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press
NIC going nowhere fast — on purpose
https://cdapress.com/news/2022/apr/08/editorial-nic-going-nowhere-fast-purpose/
March 12, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press
Banducci's agenda is too expensive
https://cdapress.com/news/2022/mar/12/my-turn-banduccis-agenda-too-expensive/
March 5, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Hannah Neff
NIC trustee to chair: Resign
cdapress.com/news/2022/mar/05/nic-trustee-calls-board-chair-resign/
February 4, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Hannah Neff
MacLennan banking $500K
cdapress.com/news/2022/feb/04/nic-fired-president-receive-almost-half-million/
January 13, 2022
Coeur d'Alene Press, Kaye Thornbrugh
Embattled trustee quits
cdapress.com/news/2022/jan/13/nic-trustee-resigns-amid-residency-questions/
January 12, 2022
KREM2
Michael Barnes resigns his position
www.krem.com/article/news/politics/michael-barnes-resigns-his-position-as-north-idaho-college-trustee/293-5117db9c-b584-406b-9962-487a936de913
January 12, 2022
The Spokesman-Review
North Idaho College board trustee resigns over residency concerns
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/jan/12/north-idaho-college-board-trustee-resigns-over-res/
January 12, 2022
The Coeur d'Alene Press
NIC Trustee Michael Barnes resigns
https://cdapress.com/news/2022/jan/12/snowbird-or-south-dakotan/
January 01, 2022
The South Dakota Residency Center You Tube
Promotional video explaining rapid residency tax benefits utilized by Trustee Michael Barnes
November 22, 2021
The Sentinel
Who trusts the trustees?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pl2luLSWARaSknSdiYpL2y-t7wsHSQjt/view?usp=share_link
October 29, 2021
Coeur d'Alene Press, Hannah Neff
Plot thickens at NIC
cdapress.com/news/2021/oct/29/protect-nics-accreditation/
October 29, 2021
Spokesman Review, Shawn Vestal
Somebody needs to protect NIC from its farcical board majority
www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/oct/29/shawn-vestal-somebody-needs-to-protect-nic-from-it/?utm_source=ourcommunitynow&utm_medium=web
March 26, 2021
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Madison Hardy
'I don't work for you, Greg'
cdapress.com/news/2021/mar/26/i-dont-work-you-greg/
November 20, 2020
The Coeur d'Alene Press, Madison Hardy
NIC board has new leadership
nic.app.box.com/s/ybxs02el2q23krn1t8tj6hkcju1uygj4
March 4, 2023
KREM 2
Uncivilized attacks: Human rights groups denounce attacks toward North Idaho College students
https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/regional-human-rights-groups-denounce-attacks-toward-north-idaho-college-students/293-df0049f4-fb55-4f38-a80c-9be6243f7e84
"Regional human rights groups sent a joint letter this week to North Idaho College trustees and Interim President Greg South condemning harassment of college students at recent public meetings."