BOARD EXTENDS SPINK'S CONTRACT.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

Beleaguered Antelope Valley College President Linda Spink has been given a 22-month contract extension, along with orders to improve her relationship with the faculty at the 9,800-student campus.

The trustees' vote Monday night granting Spink an extension through June 2001 was a compromise, with critics wanting to give her 10 months and supporters pushing for a three-year extension.

``I thought two years was reasonable,'' said trustee Earl Wilson, one of three board members to vote for the 22-month contract. ``We came to a compromise.''

Spink said Tuesday that she was pleased by the board's decision, calling it a ``reasonable compromise.''

Spink was hired in August 1996, and given a three-year contract at $106,090 a year. Her relationship with the faculty has been rocky, marred by accusations that Spink failed to adequately consult with instructors about important decisions.

Officials said that as part of the contract approval, the board gave Spink several directives regarding improved faculty relations.

``We have given her some suggestions on how to improve morale,'' said board President Betty Lou Nash, who voted for the 22-month extension. ``She can't do it alone. Everyone is going to have to do their part.''

Spink said the trustees were very clear in their evaluation and the goals they want her to meet.

``I understand what they like and what they want changed,'' Spink said. ``I look forward to working with the staff and faculty over the next several years.''

Trustee Michael Adams initially proposed granting Spink just a 10-month contract, a motion that was rejected by the rest of the board.

``Any time you approve more than one year, it's a reward for a good job, '' Adams said. ``But that was not the case here. We had significant concerns.''

However, Adams expressed confidence that Spink can meet the goals set by the trustees.

``I feel that she's done some very good things at the college,'' said Adams. ``If she improves in the area she needs to, she would be a very good president.''

Ultimately, Wilson, Nash and trustee Dan Ross voted in favor of the 22-month contract and Adams and trustee Betty Wienke voted against.

Spink's problems with the faculty erupted at a board meeting in June 1997, during a discussion about filling two vacancies in the language arts department.

John Hall, an English professor for 22 years, was ejected from the meeting by security guards, and language arts faculty members called for Spink's resignation.