|
Two secretaries say they were suspended by Lawrie
Staff Writer Two secretaries at Cuyuna Range Elementary School in Crosby say they were suspended for three days Thursday by Crosby-Ironton Superintendent Linda Lawrie.
Shirlee Bengtson, rural Crosby, and Sharon Rider, Brainerd, confirmed they were placed on three days' suspension by Lawrie Thursday morning at CRES. Both are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, or AFSCME. Bengtson and Rider said they cannot comment on the situation. Both said they would be meeting with their AFSCME representative and an investigation will be conducted into the reason for their suspensions.
Gloria Olsen, C-I School District attorney based in Minneapolis, said the two women were placed on paid administrative leave pending a district investigation into the complaint or charges. Olsen declined to specify what complaints or charges have been made against the women, citing Minnesota statutes related to public data involving school district employees.
Board chair Scott Kile said he knew few specifics about the situation and felt he couldn't comment Thursday.
"When I saw them they were both in tears," said teachers' union president Stan Nagorski, referring to seeing Bengtson and Rider after they were placed on administrative leave. "They are probably the most dedicated, non-aggressive employees I know here. It just surprises me. (Lawrie's) leadership style is very authoritarian. It's not community building. They (AFSCME employees) don't have a contract either. I think she's just sending a message."
Lawrie could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Rider has been a CRES office secretary for the past 15 years, she said. Bengtson has been a CRES office secretary for the past two years and has been employed by the school district for the past 12 years, working as a junior high special education teacher's aide and an administrative assistant with the alternative program, she said.
Steve Preble, executive director of AFSCME Council No. 65, said both the district and the union are investigating the work situation. Preble said he and another union representative will meet with school district officials Monday at an undetermined location, along with Rider and Bengtson. Preble said he won't cross the teachers' picket lines to meet at C-I schools.
"We're in the middle of an investigation because something doesn't sound right," said Preble. "We'll get to the bottom of it. We always do. ... It's not a huge issue, it really isn't. Both sides need to get to the bottom of it."
C-I teachers have been on strike since Feb. 9. CRES first- and second-graders have returned to the elementary school and are being taught by substitute teachers. Third-graders may return to school next week. All other school employees remain working within the schools while teachers have been on strike.
No other mediation sessions between the school board and union negotiating team have been planned.
JODIE TWEED can be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
|
Overcast, 61°
