Supt. Dr. Jeff Horton said the new board members will be seated after a 30-day waiting period ends Sept. 28, 2023.

The vacancies were created in July when board members Jason Haas of Gibbon and Amy Acree of Fairfax resigned, citing concerns, complaints and allegations of board member misconduct. The former board members said school staff and community members were afraid to talk to the board due to fear of retaliation and that board chairman Dan Merkel did not address board member concerns.

Merkel refuted the allegations. He said the school district’s legal counsel told him the standard for removal of a board member is established by state law and the Minnesota Constitution, and requires a showing of malfeasance (wrongdoing) or non-feasance (failure to perform an act required by law) in performance of board member duties, related to something directly affecting the rights and interests of the public.

“I respect every board member’s right to their opinion, but a difference of opinion doesn’t mean I did anything wrong,” Merkel said in an email response to the board members who resigned.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board appointee Kathi Gruenhagen of Gibbon answers interview questions at a school board meeting Monday. Gruenhagen was appointed by a 3-1 vote to serve a vacant school board seat formerly held by Jason Haas of Gibbon that expires Dec. 31, 2023. Haas recently resigned from the school board.

“I am committed to the best interests of the school district. We have some exciting projects and plans, and that will be my focus moving forward,” added Merkel.

Gruenhagen, Bernie Sauter, Mason Schmidt and Mark Turtle were interviewed for the open Gibbon seat. Gruenhagen was appointed on a 3-1 vote after a motion by Winthrop rep. Emilee Stehr, seconded by Gibbon rep. Ken Briese. Winthrop rep. Drew Schmidt cast a dissenting vote.

Horton thanked Sauter, who has many years of GFW teaching, administrative and volunteer experience and for “being a champion of GFW.”

“I don’t know Kathi (Gruenhagen), but I like what I heard,” said Stehr. “She has nine certifications and other layers of depth.”

“I think Kathi brings a fresh voice, which is something we need,” said Briese.

“I saw a lot of passion. They’re all great candidates. I’m happy to see them here,” said Schmidt.

Gibbon farmer Mark Turtle said his family has run a successful farming operation for decades.

“I was against the school referendum at first but we’ve got a great superintendent now. I think we’re at a great place now,” he added.

Turtle said not all kids should go to college and that with help from corporations like 3M, robotics and machinery classes could be useful to provide students with more opportunities.

“It’s a great opportunity now to put GFW on the map. Hopefully, we can bring more students here,” said Turtle.

“I bring a global view. I’ve done a lot of things in my life,” said Sauter. “I’m excited about a positive school climate and student achievement.”

Jason Schmidt said he has come to know many people in Minnesota in his sales work and that he worked two full-time jobs and began a military career while being a full-time college student using lots of time management.

Gruenhagen majored in organizational management and communications in college and has worked in human resources, safety, finance, customer service, business development, innovative management in the public and private sector besides volunteering.

In addition, she coached girls volleyball, basketball, softball and FFA plus worked as a Minnesota State High School League athletic official.

“I like to work with kids, have worked with legislators and know many of them,” said Gruenhagen.

Grosam and Dustin Berger of Fairfax were earlier listed as appointed board member candidates for open Fairfax school board seat. Horton said Berger misfiled his application and was not eligible to be appointed.

A Fairfax farmer who coaches the GFW trapshooting team, Grosam said he has worked on a number of township projects and farmed at home all his life.

“Things change fast. You have to adapt or fall behind. If you don’t communicate, things don’t go well,” said Grosam. “There are a lot of good changes coming in the school. I’d like to be a part of it. Some kids are more hands-on than book learners. Everyone has their place.”

A motion to appoint Grosam did not get a second. Horton asked the board for more discussion, which took place. The first vote was 3-1 against appointing Grosam. He was later appointed on a 3-1 vote.