North Dakota Senate rejects chancellor buyout

Bismarck, ND (WDAY TV) - The North Dakota Senate has narrowly rejected a proposal to buy out the contract of University System Chancellor Hamid Shirvani, who's been on the job less than a year.

Republican Senator Tony Grindberg of Fargo offered a floor amendment to a higher education funding bill to buy out the rest of Shirvani's three-year contract at a cost of about $834,000. Grindberg has questioned Shirvani's vision and leadership style.

The higher ed board backs the Chancellor, but the North Dakota Student Association recently gave Shirvani a vote of no confidence.

Senator John Andrist - (R)-Crosby: "First time we have a chancellor and board working on system. Let's give it a chance to work out before we interfere."

Senator Howard Anderson - (R)-Turtle Lake: "The legislature needs to decide if want a board of higher ed and or run it themselves."

The amendment failed by one vote 24-23. Grindberg says that sends a message to Shirvani and the board that lawmakers are concerned and are watching them closely.

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