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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Ely School District continues Leitgeb investigation

Keith Vandervort
Posted 7/23/15

ELY –The investigation of former Ely School Superintendent Alexis Leitgeb for allegations of retaliatory practices is in the hands of the district’s lawyer.

Leigeb and school officials agreed …

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Ely School District continues Leitgeb investigation

Posted

ELY –The investigation of former Ely School Superintendent Alexis Leitgeb for allegations of retaliatory practices is in the hands of the district’s lawyer.

Leigeb and school officials agreed on a separation settlement last month amid several allegations of improper conduct brought forward by Board Chairman Ray Marsnik, who asked for her to be put on administrative leave while an investigation was conducted.

Despite the settlement agreement, the School District’s legal counsel, Kelly Klun, said at a June 12 special meeting that, by law, the district must investigate the allegation of retaliatory practices. “I think this is only in the best interest of the district,” she said at that meeting.

Marsnik said he could not comment on the status of the investigation. “All I can say is that the investigation is in the hands of the district’s legal counsel,” he said.

A copy of Marsnik’s three-page letter was released last week that called for Leitgeb’s suspension while an investigation was conducted.

Board members signed off on the final settlement last week which called for a severance payment of $25,000, in addition to payment for accrued sick days and vacation days, worth about $23,000, and health insurance premium payments through the end of the year or until she is employed again.

In the letter, Marsnik outlined as many as seven allegations. At the June 8 meeting, he held up a binder that he said contained collaborating information concerning the allegations. No other information was released.

“I have reason to believe that Superintendent Leitgeb has engaged in retaliatory practices with our staff and in doing so creates a hostile working environment,” Marsnik wrote. “I have received several complaints from current and past administrative staff, as well as current and past teaching staff.”

Klun confirmed Tuesday that she has spoken with the complainants and the investigation is continuing.

Leitgeb denies the charges outlined in the letter. She told the Timberjay, “All of the allegations are false. I decided to take the payout instead of fighting a big legal battle with the district. I think the number of administrators the district has had over the last several years speaks for itself. And professionally, my achievements speak for themselves.”