Wrenshall school superintendent, district part ways

Talk about it

The Wrenshall School District is looking for a new superintendent.

Board Chairman Troy Powers said Wednesday that the district has begun the search in earnest in wake of the resignation of Superintendent Rick Herman, who had been with the district for four years.

Herman’s resignation came only days after the board voted to dismiss him. Powers said on the advice of legal counsel, board members rescinded their motion, at which time Herman tendered his resignation. The two parties then worked out an agreement to place Herman on paid leave until a mutually agreed upon separation date of Oct. 15. He will also be eligible for continued insurance benefits through Dec. 31 if he has not secured a new job in school administration by then. In the board’s financial disclosure statement, they indicated that the estimated cost of the settlement is $48,750.

Herman’s resignation follows two separate administrative leaves. He was first placed on leave in April after he reported to the board about verbal conflicts he had with Principal Susan Frank. He was placed on leave again two weeks ago after a report on the situation came in from an independent consultant hired by the district in early May for the purpose of monitoring how the superintendent and principal interact. Powers declined to comment on the nature of the report.

The School Board and Herman issued a joint statement calling Herman’s departure “a mutual and amicable separation, and not a termination.”

Herman was first on paid leave April 23 through May 3. The incidents with Frank, which Powers earlier described as “odd,” happened April 17 and April 18.

“The Board thanks Superintendent Herman for his four years of service to the district and wishes him continued success in public education,” the joint statement said. “Mr. Herman also expresses his gratitude for being able to serve this community and wishes the students and staff continued success.”

Powers said the school board is now in the process of seeking an interim superintendent to “fill the gap until we can find someone to fill the position” or hopefully, a full-time administrator. He added that at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday night, the board was planning to appoint a hiring subcommittee to handle the interview process.

“We have already been approached by a couple of administrators interested in the position,” said Powers. “The board possibly might be talking with those people before long.”

Neither Herman nor Frank could be reached for comment.

Tags: carlton county, news, education, wrenshall