Iowa Court Upholds Firing of Northeast Iowa Community College President

You'll want to remember this moment. Help us record what's happening in Decorah. WINNESHIEK COUNTY — An Iowa District Court judge has upheld the Northeast Iowa Community College Board of Directors' decision to fire former college president Dr. Herbert Riedel, concluding the board acted with just cause under state law. In a ruling filed Feb. 2, the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County affirmed the board's July 1, 2024, decision to terminate Riedel's administrative contract, rejecting his request for judicial review. Riedel, who began serving as NICC president in July 2022 under a three-year contract, challenged the termination under Iowa Code sections governing administrator contracts. He argued the board's decision was unsupported by the evidence and violated his statutory and constitutional rights. The court disagreed, finding that "substantial evidence" supported the board's conclusion that Riedel failed to meet key expectations of the presidency and that the board acted within its legal authority. Judge's ruling adopts administrative findings In the nine-page ruling, the court adopted the detailed findings of fact issued earlier by an administrative law judge, who presided over a three-day private hearing in March 2024. The judge found the evidentiary record more than sufficient and declined to restate the findings in full, incorporating them by reference instead. Under Iowa law, courts reviewing school board termination decisions must uphold the board unless the administrator's substantial rights were prejudiced by legal error, unlawful procedure or a decision unsupported by the record. The court said Riedel failed to meet that standard. The court cited Iowa Supreme Court precedent defining "just cause" to include both professional faults attributable to the administrator and legitimate concerns related to the institution's personnel and operational needs. Breakdown of trust and leadership cited The ruling details widespread concerns about Riedel's leadership style and relationships with senior staff, administrators and community stakeholders. According to the record, Riedel struggled to build and sustain trust within NICC's leadership team, resulting in strained relationships with multiple upper-level administrators. Several senior staff members resigned during his tenure, citing tensions with Riedel. The court found the resulting atmosphere within the administration to be disruptive and detrimental to the college's mission. The board also relied on evidence that Riedel failed to improve those relationships even after being placed on a performance action plan, and that its confidence in his ability to correct course eroded over time. Community and donor concerns Beyond internal management issues, the court found substantial evidence that Riedel failed to effectively represent NICC to community and business partners, a central responsibility of the college presidency. Testimony and written statements described concerns from foundation leaders, donors and business partners who found Riedel's approach off-putting or self-focused. The ruling noted that some major donors questioned the institution's leadership and stability during his tenure, with at least one donor considering withdrawing a seven-figure pledge. The court also cited statements from NICC officials involved in workforce training and outreach, who said Riedel lacked understanding of key college services and damaged relationships with business partners, affecting the college's reputation in the region. Board acted lawfully, court says Riedel argued that the board acted arbitrarily and that no donors ultimately withdrew funds. The court said the board was not required to wait for actual financial harm before acting, noting that credible evidence of deteriorating relationships and reputational risk was sufficient to establish just cause. "The Board was entitled to take action when a president's actions, temperament, and presence cause an adverse atmosphere that impacted the administrative mission of the school," the ruling stated. The court affirmed the termination in full and ordered Riedel to pay court costs. Separate legal challenge noted Court records show Riedel also filed a separate lawsuit in 2023 alleging the NICC Board violated Iowa's Open Meetings Act during discussions of his performance and a performance action plan. That case was not addressed in the Feb. 2 ruling and remains separate from the contract termination appeal. NICC terminated Riedel's contract effective July 1, 2024, after the board adopted the administrative law judge's findings following a closed-session hearing. The ruling ends Riedel's appeal of the board's termination decision unless he seeks further review. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.