DACC president on leave after investigation into mayor’s complaints

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Tensions were high at Danville Area Community College Monday night. After a month-long investigation, DACC’s Board of Trustees voted on the president’s job.

The board recommended job termination for DACC President Stephen Nacco. It came after a three-hour discussion period behind closed doors.

Following a month-long investigation into Nacco, the Board of Trustees recommended he be fired.

“The board’s preliminary determination is that disciplinary action up to and including termination is being recommended,” said the Board of Trustees.

It took three hours and two special meetings to get this recommendation.

Monday’s meeting featured some fiery public comments from Nacco’s wife.

“The mayor had a hissy fit,” she said. “I’m sorry to say that, but it’s true. It caused huge damage. And I’m not sure that he understands the real effect this has on people’s real lives.”

The investigation began in August following a complaint to the Board of Trustees from Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. It started when the mayor claimed Nacco used abusive language in text and during in-person communication exchanges — including claims Nacco called Mayor Williams “boy,” which Williams said is historically associated with racial slurs.

The termination recommendation doesn’t officially end the saga for Williams or Nacco.
The board will meet again at an undecided date to vote to finalize Nacco’s presidential termination.

For the foreseeable future, Nacco will be on administrative leave and is not currently employed by DACC. But for now, a remaining bitterness on both ends.

Williams Jr., Nacco, and the Board of Trustees had no further comments following the decision. A date to finalize the decision is still to be determined.

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