Bill Rush felt he needed to step forward, even if it was at his own risk to do so.
“I had a decision. I could either stay, shut up and go like it was business as usual. … I chose to do the right thing,” said Rush, Bakersfield College’s facilities and construction management director.
And now Rush will soon leave BC following a settlement with the district. It all began when he decided to go see the Kern County grand jury.
In April 2002, Rush filed a complaint with the grand jury regarding BC’s handing of contractors’ use of utilities, wages and bid-splitting.
He maintained that proper procedures weren’t being followed and that the college was not receiving the amount of money owed it.
As a result of his complaint, the grand jury investigated. Once college officials learned that Rush went to the grand jury, he was placed on administrative leave in May 2002 and asked to leave campus.
During that same month, a voice-activated tape recorder was found behind a binder in Rush’s office. An investigation soon followed but failed to reveal who placed the recorder.
While on leave, Rush filed a complaint with the State Personnel Board. It alleged that his forced leave was in response to his “whistle-blowing” about the construction irregularities.
During July, Rush was taken off leave and reinstated to his former position.
In November, the Kern Community College District was cleared of any illegal wrong doing in construction issues but the panel did recommend improvements in construction procedures, which were implemented by the district.
Rush said in an interview this week that his complaint with the State Personnel Board would be settled out of court, possibly as soon as today, and he will leave BC.
“I never started this with the intent to gain money,” said Rush.
Rush now plans to move to Texas to raise cattle on a ranch that he owns. Even though he already has things tentatively set up in Texas, he believes that the situation at BC could have ended differently.
“I loved my job and I think I could do a lot of good for this campus,” he said.
Dr. Sandra Serrano, BC president, refused to comment on any questions concerning Rush, stating that it is a personnel matter.
She did speak generally about BC employees, saying they have every right to seek due process.
“And this right is open to any employee and student on campus,” she said. “People have a right to exercise their right to due process. It is just a belief that I have.”