Aitkin School Board Work Session meeting from August 11th

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (8/12/22)

(Aitkin, MN) — The Aitkin Public School Board held a Work Session meeting Monday, August 8th to originally talk about the Strategic Plan but quickly divulged into heated conversation over Board ethics and procedures.

During the Public Comment Period, Board director Joe Ryan responded to slanderous comments made at the previous board meeting by Administrative Assistant Mary Aulie.

Ryan went on to address further comments made about the turnover of the Superintendent’s position, the outlook of education, and roles and responsibilities of the Board members and corresponding staff. Board director Cindi Hills spoke to Ryan on past actions relating to emails sent to other board members and Superintendent Dan Stifter.

Board director Dawn Houser further cemented the actions of Ryan.

Houser provided copies of the emails for those in attendance to view for themselves. Superintendent Dan Stifter took a moment to address the comments made from previous meetings, emails, and bring his stance concerning the overall work done since his work began in 2019.

Director Ryan went on to take stock of all statements presented at the meeting.

Before adjournment of the meeting, Superintendent Stifter announced Board Chair Dennis Hasskamp has resigned his position effective immediately due to health concerns. The discussion of the District’s Strategic Plan was tabled until after the November Election when a new board member is elected.

A complete recording of the Aitkin Public School Board meeting can be found with this story here: