UPDATE: School Board Terminates Employee Closed Session

Updated at 6:37 a.m. on Sept. 2

After less than 30 minutes behind closed doors, the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Board of Education made a unanimous vote to fire a person, referred to publicly as "Employee A." The resolution adopted by the board was vague as to the exact nature of the allegations against Employee A, citing "incompetence and misconduct" as grounds for discharge.

When asked for specifics, Superintendent Randy Clegg said that he  could give no further information until the employee had been fully discharged.

"I can't provide any information until he has been fully terminated. It could be up to a year from now," Clegg said. "It just depends on the process and what rights he exercises that are allowed to him by state statute."

Clegg explained that this particular employee is entitled to certain rights under the Veteran's Preference Act which could prolong the proceedings. He could have a hearing to examine whether the board was correct in terminating Employee A. 

However, when prompted Clegg said that the safety of the students was not an element of the allegations against Employee A.  

"This did not involve any of the students at all," Clegg said.

Aug. 31 Tomorrow the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Board of Education will make inquiries into allegations regarding an employee, according to the board's forthcoming agenda.

Attached memoranda did not list any further information regarding the nature of the allegations, nor the identity of the employee. Burnsville Patch has requested specifics from the district.

With few exceptions, most meetings of a public entity such as the board are open to the public. According to a summary by Minnesota's House Research Department, public entities are permitted to hold closed sessions while in the midst of labor negotiations or when consulting with an attorney about pending litigation. 

Closed meetings are also allowed for a performance evaluation or disciplinary action, though elements of the meeting must later be publicized. For instance, a closed meeting is permitted during preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against an individual subject to a public body.

However, if members of the public body conclude that discipline may be warranted, subsequent meetings or hearings relating to the charges must be open.