Board places five continuing‑contract teachers on unrequested leave citing lack of pupils, financial limits

The Kenyon‑Wanamingo School Board voted unanimously on May 18 to place five continuing‑contract teachers on unrequested leave effective June 30, 2026, citing a lack of pupils and financial limitations.

Member Debb Paquin introduced the first resolution and the board adopted it for Blair Reynolds, recording that no written request for a hearing was received within the 14‑day statutory period. The resolution states: "BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 2172 that Blair Reynolds be and hereby is placed on unrequested leave of absence as a teacher of Independent School District No. 2172 on the grounds of lack of pupils and financial limitations effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year on June 30, 2026, in accordance with the District master agreement and pursuant to M.S., Sec.122A.40, Subd. 10, without pay or fringe benefits." The motion was seconded and passed 5‑0.

Identical or substantively similar resolutions were then introduced and adopted for Megan Sabrowsky, Katie Valek, Stephanie Ennis, and Chloe Gohman. Each resolution records that written notice of proposed placement was served in late April and that no hearing request was received by the May 14 deadline, which the board treated as acquiescence under statute. The minutes record the roll call votes approving each resolution; absent members for these votes were AJ Lindell and James Jarvis.

The actions approve placement on unrequested leave "without pay or fringe benefits" per the board resolutions and direct that notice of placement, a copy of the resolution, and an affidavit of service be placed in each teacher's personnel file. The minutes do not record any public comment or alternative proposals, nor do they record any subsequent administrative direction for recall, reassignment, or timeline for possible return.