Southern Columbia Area SD board votes to terminate employee effective immediately

The Southern Columbia Area SD Board of Directors voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Kristin Vekoskis effective immediately, the board announced at a special meeting where directors cited a statement of charges dated 05/09/2024.

Board member Ash Hoglund moved to approve a resolution to terminate Vekoskis “effective immediately for the reasons outlined in the statement of charges letter dated 05/09/2024,” and Board member Justin Rodriguez seconded. The motion called for the board secretary to notify the employee and authorized the superintendent to take any additional action to notify other agencies. A roll-call vote recorded nine votes in favor and the chair said the motion carried.

The action followed an executive session held just before the public meeting on personnel and possible litigation, the board noted. During board comments a member said some aspects of the matter could not be discussed in public and urged patience, adding that people who want greater transparency should contact their legislators to seek rule changes. “There’s a lot about this that we can’t discuss and it’s very upsetting that we can’t be more open and transparent,” the board member said.

No in-person or online agenda-hearing or public-comment submissions were reported for the meeting. The board concluded the special meeting after the vote and closing remarks. The superintendent is authorized to notify relevant agencies and take additional steps called for in the motion.

Action details: motion by Board member Ash Hoglund; second by Board member Justin Rodriguez; roll-call vote: Board member Cindy Brassington — yes; Board member Drew Hampton — yes; Board member Kendall Hammond — yes; Board member Josh Talend — yes; Board member Jill Levine — yes; Board member Brianna Majeski — yes; Board member Josh Majeski — yes; Board member Justin Rodriguez — yes; Board member Tony Sabrentini — yes. Outcome: approved.