Former custodian says she was wrongfully terminated, raises building-access and safety concerns

A former custodian told the East Grand Forks Public School Dist Board of Education during the public-comment period that she believes she was wrongfully terminated and raised multiple building-access and student-safety concerns.

“ I just feel I was wrongfully terminated, ” Angela Stos told the board and gave her address for the record. Stos said she was disciplined for leaving early on a night when students entered the building; she said other staff and parents sometimes use keys and that she repeatedly found doors unlocked or propped open.

Stos said she learned of videos circulating on social media showing students in hallways and tunnels and described sanitation concerns after seeing a video: “ I never knew that. It's yeah. So I'm glad I never poured water down there. ” She told the board the situation left her feeling the building was “ not safe. ”

Board members and district leadership responded that personnel matters must be handled through administration and appropriate grievance channels. The board chair advised Stos to speak directly with administration; the chair and other members said they could not discuss personnel issues in public.

District leaders and board members also discussed building access and key control after the public comment. Superintendent Grover said replacing or managing physical keys with electronic fob systems was a possible long-term option and that rekeying exterior doors would be a more costly step: “ If we get to the point where all buildings are, it may be worth the conversation of can we rekey the outside doors, which is not a cheap process. ” He noted that cameras and custodial staff often monitor activity but acknowledged limits during events when multiple spaces are in use and many entrances remain accessible.

Board members described the practical challenge of keeping buildings secure during evening activities when gyms, cafeterias and other spaces can be in use; they noted custodians and building staff attempt to monitor visitors but that doors and fire-exit rules limit locking options.

The board did not take action on the matter during the meeting. The chair reiterated the appropriate next step for Stos was to pursue a personnel conversation with administration and any formal grievance or review process available to employees.