Posted: 5/3/05
Fired teacher identified
Teacher Angela Blair was discharged at the April 18 Caledonia School Board meeting.
Blair, who was on a medical leave of absence, was not identified until April 25. The district had been advised by its attorney, Pat Maloney, not to reveal the teacherís identity until 60 day appeal period has passed. The Argus and its attorney, Mark Anfinson, objected to that.
Maloney faxed a memo to Caledonia School Superintendent Michael Moriarty on April 25 that cited the law used to fire Blair, who had taught high school art and elementary school. It stated in part, ěAngela Blairís employment with Independent School District No. 299 was terminated due to her inability to return to work following a leave of absence pursuant to Minn. Stat. 122A.40, subd 12 . . . In the event that the teacher does not qualify for reinstatement within 12 months after the date of suspension, the continuing disability may be a ground for discharge under subdivision 13.î
The motion to fire Blair passed 6-1, with Mike Novak voting against it.
Blair was a high school art teacher and elementary school teacher in ISD #299 since 1993. She missed most of the second semester of 2002-03 as an art teacher at the high school. She came back to teach fifth grade in 2003-04; she missed the entire second semester that year. The board granted her a one year leave of absence for 2004-05.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com