LA Superintendent Suspended

The Langford Area Board of Education met last night (Tuesday) for a special meeting. The only agenda item was an executive session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2.1, 2.3 and 2.4.

After the executive session, the following action was taken: “Based upon the findings and decision of the State Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission, a motion was made to suspend Superintendent Ryan Bruns with pay pending the Secretary of Education’s final decision.” 

Board President Jennifer Gustafson said the board had no other comments at this time.They also cancelled Thursday's special meeting. Their next meeting is on Monday at 6 p.m.

South Dakota Codified Law 1-25-2 (regarding why executive session was called)

(1)    Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. The term, employee, does not include any independent contractor;

(3)    Consulting with legal counsel or reviewing communications from legal counsel about proposed or pending litigation or contractual matters;

                  (4)    Preparing for contract negotiations or negotiating with employees or employee representatives

About the Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission

“The Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission (PAPSC) is composed of five administrators, one school board member, and one parent, appointed by the Governor. SDCL §§ 13-43-38 through 13-43-50 outline the commission's authority, procedures and responsibilities.”

The organization’s confidentiality statement:

Privacy and confidentiality issues pertain to all parties involved pursuant to ARSD 24:11:04:04 which reads:

ARSD 24:11:04:04. Confidentiality of private hearing. If the formal hearing is private, the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decision of the commission are confidential and may be released to the complainant or complainants, the respondent, the members of the appropriate educational governing board, and the Secretary of the Department of Education. This section does not limit the commission's ability to issue a public reprimand.