GIBBON — By a 5-1 vote Monday, the Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board approved a resolution to terminate a probationary teacher for cause.

Winthrop representative Drew Schmidt cast the dissenting vote. The resolution came on a motion by Winthrop representative Mike Kuehn, seconded by Fairfax representative Marisa Lee.

Kuehn said the teacher, who’s name was not disclosed, will be sent a notice of right to a hearing. If a hearing request is not received by Nov. 14, 2022, the discharge is final without further school board action.

Kuehn said the teacher is discharged for cause on the basis of an exhibit which will be signed by the school board clerk and served on the teacher.

“Exhibit 1 is classified as private data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and therefore can’t be released unless there is final disposition of discharge,” said Kuehn.

After the teacher vote, the school board met in closed session for one hour and 10 minutes to discuss potential litigation concerning the property containing the former Fairfax Intermediate School property.

The board agenda read that the Open Meeting Law, Minnesota Statute section 13D.05, subdivision 3(a), states the school board may close a meeting for the purpose of discussing legal action.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).