LF School Board tables several personnel issues

Members of the Little Falls School Board decided to table several requests from personnel who are seeking Extended Leaves of Absence from the district at their Monday morning meeting.

Three of the requests were for back-to-back Extended Leaves which are usually only approved for those employees who are within 10 years of retirement. Board members questioned whether all those who had applied for the consecutive leaves—Dave Girtz, Technology Integrationist; Greg Beck, Media Specialist; and, Sue Benson, Gifted and Talented Coordinator—met this requirement.

They also asked Dr. Mary Jo Morgan, director of Human Resources, to obtain—in writing—documentation from both the Department of Children Families and Learning (CFL) and the Teacher’s Retirement Association (TRA) that if they approve these Extended Leaves they will be operating within the Minnesota Statute.

Board Member Bob Keeton said, “I am nervous about approving these without having something in writing from the TRA. I really think we need to do that and come back to this at our next meeting.”

“I’m being pulled in all directions about this. I know these Extended Leaves represent a big savings to the district. They allow us to keep our younger, less expensive teachers on staff and I do not want to discourage that. But, perhaps we should table it until we are certain we’re within the statute,” said Board Member Greg Zylka.

Athletic Director Mike Ratzloff also requested an Extended Leave of Absence for a two-year period at which time he would be eligible to retire as an administrator from the district. During that same two-year period, however, he is also requesting a long-term Physical Education substitute position. Ratzloff, who has been employed by the district since 1971, said, “This is how I would like to end my career, in physical education.”

The last request for a five-year Extended Leave of Absence was from Julie Beddow-Schubert, Technology Integrationist, who has only been employed by the district since 1997.

Board members instructed Dr. Morgan to pursue written verification from the CFL and TRA that they would not be violating any statutes by granting any of these leaves.

“I do want to say that I appreciate Dr. Morgan and Education Minnesota Little Falls working so hard to be creative and save the district money,” said Keeton.

All Extended Leave requests were tabled until the next board meeting on Monday, April 30, at 4 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Lindbergh Elementary.