Teachers, parents and former board members urge transparency, some call for chair to step down

A series of public commenters at the Sept. 4 special meeting pressed the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle School District board for transparency and accountability after news that a lawyer had contacted Superintendent Daniel Ludvigson about an early buyout. Speakers included current and former educators, parents and a former board member who said staff and teachers were fearful.

LeRoy Uhlenkamp, a former teacher and school board member, asked questions of the board about how decisions were being made. Teacher and community member Kyle Lamb said no proper authorization for a buyout had been conducted at a public meeting and urged the board to rebuild community trust. Several speakers—including Luan Brunkhorst, a parent and Chamber of Commerce director, and Carissa Bitz, an LPGE teacher—praised Ludvigson’s community involvement and said he met the criteria the district had sought when hiring a superintendent.

Former board member Steven Hinson urged Chair Lemke to step down, saying staff and teachers were now fearful. Amanda Hinson, a former reporter and parent, accused board actions of violating civil rights and reiterated the need for open meetings; Renee Kreemer explicitly alleged violations of the open meeting law. The public comments collectively demanded clearer explanation from the board about who authorized discussions with legal counsel and what, if any, offers had been made to the superintendent.

The board heard the comments after a motion to allow public speaking carried; no formal board discipline or personnel action was taken during the session. Community members left the meeting calling for follow-up and greater openness from the board.