New developments tonight in the ongoing struggle between SOU and the JPR foundation.
Ron Kramer announcing he’s stepping down from his post at the Jefferson public radio foundation at the end of the month.
Jefferson public radio foundation board members are in disbelief after receiving word, Ron Kramer, the executive director of the JPR foundation will be stepping down.
“It’s a hell of a way to end a 38 year career,” said Steven Nelson.
On Friday, Kramer was optimistic about future, neutral mediation between SOU and the JPR foundation but acknowledged his position was in limbo.
“I don’t really know what my status is,” said Kramer.
But just a day later he announced he would be stepping down by June 30th.
“It means mission accomplished for the university and the chancellor’s office, for the foundation it means a significant resource is now lost to us, as we enter negotiation,” said Steven Nelson.
At the center of it all, an Oregon chancellor’s audit of JPR and the JPR foundation, which said JPRF’s debt ratio was double the acceptable amount because they were involved with projects like the Holly Theatre restoration in Medford.
SOU then fired Kramer saying he should not be working for both the university and JPRF.
We spoke with kramer who said he’s stepping down because while board members are now exempt from individual lawsuits, he won’t be come June 30th when his contract with the university expires. He says he can’t afford to put himself in the line of fire.
“We understand completely why Ron would leave,” said Steven Nelson.
While nelson says he understands, he’s still not happy, saying the foundation has lost a man responsible for JPR and JPRF’s success.
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