Lawsuit Filed Against NICC By Former President

The recently ousted president of Northeast Iowa Community College is suing the institution’s board of trustees, claiming they acted illegally by taking action in a closed session meeting last year. Herbert Riedel filed the lawsuit against the NICC board of trustees in Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County in December, and the board secretary was served with the lawsuit last week. The suit alleges that the board violated Iowa’s Open Meetings Act by voting during closed session on June 19, 2023, to implement a performance action plan for Riedel. Riedel was placed on paid administrative leave by the board in October, and his contract was terminated in November.