Democratic Primaries

“I was impressed that she was there, putting aside what had happened to her mom,” a former administrator said. “She was really matter-of-fact about the deal. She said, ‘I never dealt with my mom, anyway. My relationship was always with Christine. It’s really nothing different.’”

The largely flattering NEASC report notes that, in 2011, the woodworking school was “self-supporting” and generated “net income for the college.”

Leopold argued the program was a net gain and made the school more appealing at a time when administrators were seeking to boost enrollment.

“If it was generating a net profit, no matter how small, then what’s the problem?” Leopold asked. “The association with the woodworking school had an intangible benefit, and it expanded the offerings of the college.”

Leopold said there “was nothing improper” and that board members were aware of the relationship between Sanders and Driscoll.