Kellerman ‘Confident’ of Being Cleared

Ousted Chancellor James S. Kellerman of the North Orange County Community College District, in a statement released Wednesday by his attorney, expressed confidence that he will be cleared of allegations of wrongdoing.

Kellerman, who had previously declined any comment on his April 12 suspension by the district board, said in a one-page statement that he is “deeply distressed by the allegations against my honesty and integrity. . . . I am confident, however, that a complete and thorough investigation will fully exonerate me, and that the board of trustees will reinstate me to my duties as chancellor.”

Kellerman concluded the statement with thanks to those who have supported him and his family, and added: “I certainly have nothing to hide or to be ashamed of, in either my professional or personal behavior.”

Placed on Paid Leave

Kellerman, 54, was placed on paid administrative leave from his $97,000-a-year job after an internal investigation substantiated allegations of misconduct, district trustees have said. Berdette (Bert) Cofer was named interim chancellor after Kellerman’s removal.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Wallace J. Wade said his office opened a preliminary inquiry into allegations that Kellerman used money from a district account without authorization, sought personal loans from district employees and improperly arranged to have the district pay $3,120 to repair his district-owned car.

Kellerman’s attorney, Ronald G. Parker, said Wednesday that some board members acted “unprofessionally” by discussing the allegations with reporters and that the board never gave Kellerman a chance to respond.