Benjamin Westphal

SLEEPY EYE –The Sleepy Eye Public School Board approved posting a job position Wednesday created by the resignation of elementary principal Benjamin Westphal last week.

The action directed Sleepy Eye-Cedar Mountain School Superintendent John Cselovszki to post for either a full-time elementary principal or an assistant Pre-K-12 principal.

Board member Sheila Wurtzberger began the discussion saying a staff survey heavily favored the board hiring an assistant Pre-K-6 principal. However, the board favored posting for a Pre-K-12 assistant principal or a full-time elementary principal.

“Hopefully, we can get a fully-licensed principal with experience,” said Cselovszki.

“Anytime you hire somebody, there is a risk,” said board member Casey Coulson.

“Don’t let the kids run the roost,” said board chairwoman Darla Remus.

Discipline problems in kindergarten through third grade were mentioned during discussion.

Sleepy Eye High School Principal Shane Laffen said hiring an assistant Pre-K-12 principal may be the best solution.

“I’d try running the elementary and high school and see how it goes,” he said.

Cselovszki said in larger schools, an assistant principal works with attendance and discipline.

Action came on a motion by board member Joleen Dittbenner, seconded by Adam Barka.

Last month, the board approved a one-year probationary period extension and $90,000 2026-2027 contract for Westphal.

Westphal previously worked in behavior intervention, teaching and program coordinator roles at River Bend Education District in New Ulm.