Ammons, trustees come to agreement on amended contract

A contentious contract negotiation process that publicly pitted FAMU’s current president against old supporters of the former interim president ended quietly yesterday evening.

In a meeting that lasted just over 15 minutes, the FAMU Board of Trustees and President James H. Ammons okayed an amended presidential employment agreement.

The highlights include:

-The removal of the “evergreen” clause that renewed the employment agreement on a daily basis.

-A fixed term of employment that lasts until June 30, 2016. Trustees have the option to renew or extend the contract with a two thirds super-majority vote.

-A requirement for a two thirds super-majority vote for termination with or without cause.

-The elimination of the guaranteed bonus of 25-35 percent, annually.

-A new performance-based bonus of 0-10 percent, annually.

-A retention bonus that Ammons is eligible to receive on June 30, 2014.

-A base salary increase of $16,250.

-An annuity increase of 3 percent.

-A 12 month post-presidential sabbatical in the event of termination without cause or resignation.

The Ad Hoc Committee on the presidential contract originally recommended that Ammons receive a 12 month post-presidential sabbatical at 90 percent of his presidential salary. Ammons wanted the sabbatical to be 24 months. The finalized contract amendment represented a compromise by permitting Ammons to keep his full salary for one year after leaving the presidency.

The contract’s recitations commended Ammons for “exceptional service as president of the University since July 2, 2007.”

“I want to thank all of you for the confidence you have expressed in me to lead Florida A&M for the next five years,” Ammons said.