DENVER—A newspaper is seeking the performance evaluations of former Colorado State University President Larry Penley, who resigned abruptly in November.
The Rocky Mountain News reported Friday that it has asked CSU three times for the reviews. The paper says the school’s legal counsel, Amy Parsons, has responded that personnel files aren’t public and are an exception to Colorado’s open records law.
Tom Kelley, attorney for the Colorado Press Association, said performance evaluations are public under the state’s open records law. He cited a 1999 state appeals court decision in a case involving a municipal employee in Commerce City that said the only parts of the employee’s personnel file to be kept secret were the employee’s personal information.
Kelley said the performance reviews might explain why Penley resigned.
The school and Penley announced his resignation Nov. 5 with more than a year left on his contract.
Doug Jones, chairman of CSU’s governing board, said it was Penley’s decision to leave. Penley said in a written statement that he wants to pursue other leadership positions in higher education.
In a settlement with CSU, Penley received $389,000 for 11 months of salary and a month of unused vacation. He will receive his $3,333-a-month housing allowance through February.
The separation agreement bars both sides from elaborating.
Tony Frank, formerly CSU provost, has been appointed as interim president.
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Information from: Rocky Mountain News,
