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Parents press board for transparency as Cannon Falls principal resignation approved
Summary
Public commenters urged the Cannon Falls School Board to reject or seek clarity over Jennifer Chapit’s resignation, citing concerns about transparency and the potential financial impact of termination; the board approved the resignation after discussion and noted that approval is not required under MSBA guidance.
Leanne Tezias, a Cannon Falls parent, urged the Cannon Falls School Board on Monday to reject the resignation of elementary principal Jennifer Chapit and demanded greater transparency about the circumstances that led to the resignation.
Tezias, who said, "My name is Leanne Tezias, and I've lived in Cannon Falls for 20 years," told the board that Chapit has served the district for 10 years and had been "a remarkable leader loved by students, parents, and staff alike." Tezias said the lack of detail from the district had led to speculation about an incident during the Christmas break in which, she said, Chapit "came to the elementary school to care for the reptiles in the school office, and she brought her children and their friends to the school where they played in the gym."
The parent speaker pressed the board on whether cameras or staff observations recorded the event and argued the conduct was "a correctable action," urging the board to reject either approving the resignation or, if termination were sought later, to avoid a termination that could trigger arbitration and cost taxpayers money.
Superintendent Jeff acknowledged receipt of Chapit's resignation and recommended the board approve it. Jeff also told the board that Steven Strauss is currently serving in the elementary principal role and that the district will open the position for a permanent hire "in the next, probably, month or so." Jeff said, "We'd like to thank Jennifer for her time and efforts in the district over the years," when presenting the item.
Board members questioned whether a resignation requires board approval. One board member noted they had received guidance indicating the board does not have to approve a resignation, and the superintendent confirmed the disclosure was being made for transparency. The board then voted to approve Chapit's resignation with a voice vote; the motion carried.
Public commenters also asked whether, if the employee revoked a resignation, termination could be sought and what allegations would justify termination. Tezias asked whether prior performance reviews or claims of illegal behavior existed and suggested that if such allegations were not clear and irrefutable, termination would be a poor fiscal choice during a time of budget pressure.
The board did not provide additional factual detail about the circumstances leading to Chapit's resignation during the meeting and gave no timeline for any personnel action beyond posting the vacancy for the elementary principal position.
The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Feb. 10.
