Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Nonrenewal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Og Public Schools board non‑renews two teacher contracts as students and parents protest choir decision
Summary
The Ogilvie Public School District board approved non‑renewal resolutions for two teachers citing reduced enrollment and contract status. Students and parents urged the board to retain the vocal music teacher, arguing he boosted participation and achievement; the board said a 'highly qualified' candidate had been identified and followed statutory procedures.
The Ogilvie Public School District board voted to terminate and not renew two teaching contracts at its May meeting, citing reduced enrollment and an expiring tier‑2 contract process.
The board approved a resolution terminating the contract of Dave Nichols, who served as a part‑time emotional/behavior disorders teacher and an academic and behavior strategist. The board also approved a resolution to non‑renew the expiring tier‑2 contract of Riley O'Donn, the district's K–12 vocal music teacher. Board members cited Minnesota Statute section 122A.40, subdivision 5, in the formal notices the board approved to be delivered to each teacher.
Students and parents who spoke during the open forum urged the board to reconsider the decision on the vocal music position. Ninth‑grader Abigail Ericson said the choir teacher, whom students call 'Mr. O,' had grown the choir and improved student engagement: "Mr. O has had a positive impact on the students. . . . the average is around an A minus," she told the board, and said a student petition had been turned into the high school office. Sixth‑grader Le Aman said three students cried when they learned the teacher would not return and reported a petition with 'over 50 people' signing in support.
Board members explained the non‑renewal process. Aboard discussion noted that the district opened the position and that a "highly qualified" applicant was available to interview, which factors into whether a non‑renewal is defensible under law. The board recorded the vote on the Riley O'Donn resolution as 5–1 and approved the Dave Nichols resolution unanimously.
Superintendent Kevin Ricky placed the personnel decisions in the wider budget context, telling the board that the district faces revenue pressures: he reported a drop in compensatory aid compared with the prior year and estimated the reduction at roughly $155,000, saying the district will do further budget work and adjust staffing as needed. Ricky also noted declining enrollment, which the district cited as a factor in personnel reductions.
The board approved written notices and letters to both teachers and confirmed that the district followed the statutory process for non‑renewals. The administration said transcripts and communications related to the actions will be preserved in the district record.
The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for June; the administration indicated it will continue budget work and post any additional personnel-related committee meetings as needed.
