Renton Technical College has evolved into one of the most successful educational institutions in the country. Most graduates (nearly 90 percent) are placed in jobs. Many minorities are provided with valuable skills, from learning English to specialty training that opens the door for their future and helps to make them productive members of our community.

The Renton Community Foundation continues to break records each year in raising money from this community to provide valuable scholarships to many eligible students. Renton Technical College has earned the respect and support of the greater Renton community and leaders throughout the region. Much of this success is directly due to the efforts of Dr. Don Bressler.

You can imagine why there is so much outrage from this community directed at three Renton Technical College trustees who forced the termination of Dr. Bressler during a board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Ignoring all of the passionate and legitimate comments provided by members of the community and elected officials, these three board members, appearing to act on ego and personal agendas, fired Dr. Bressler even though they fully understood that their decision would hurt the college, the foundation and ultimately the students it serves.

This can only happen when an institution is saddled with board members who have no connection to the community they are charged to serve. The selection process needs to be reviewed by the state Legislature.

It’s no secret that Board Chair Ronnie Behnke has been at odds with Dr. Bressler over his endorsement two years ago for a mayoral candidate that was running against the candidate she supported. It finally took a ruling by the board’s attorney to tell her Dr. Bressler had the constitutional right to decide who he supports, just as she did.

The Board has done a huge disservice to the college, Dr. Bressler, the students and this community. They are ineffective policymakers and should voluntarily resign from their positions. All future action by these three individuals will face suspicion, and rebuilding the relationship between the college and the community will be difficult to achieve, creating a real challenge for any new president.

It’s a travesty when three detached individuals can cause this much harm to a successful institution like Renton Technical College which has a proven track record of improving the lives of so many people.

Randy Corman

Renton