LT: 7-15-08

Updated: 7/15/2008 11:32:01 PM

Former school leader's fate could be decided Thursday

By Julian Emerson
Leader-Telegram staff
Nearly three months after launching an investigation into former Eau Claire schools Superintendent Bill Klaus' attempt to access his retirement stipend early, the school board appears to be moving closer to a decision about Klaus' future with the district.

However, the issue could be far from resolved, depending on what disciplinary measures the board imposes on Klaus, the attorney representing the former superintendent said Tuesday.

The board is scheduled to meet Thursday in closed session to discuss possible action against Klaus that could include his firing. It will be the first meeting at which the board has discussed Klaus' contract matter in more than a month.

The meeting notice also lists as discussion topics a potential resignation agreement, Klaus' compensation from the district and possible legal action against the district if Klaus is dismissed.

Board members said they won't necessarily reach a decision about the matter Thursday but will discuss various options related to his employment with the district, including his possible firing.

Board members have refused comment regarding details of the investigation, but sources close to the situation said the board is seeking the possible dismissal of Klaus and two other employees for their roles in Klaus' contract matter.

Tom Guelzow, the attorney representing Klaus, said he isn't aware of any resignation deal involving Klaus. A dismissal of Klaus that does not include compensation according to his contract that runs through 2012 - including his $267,209 stipend - would result in a lawsuit against the district, Guelzow said.

"Without hesitation, we would file litigation if that happens," he said.

Last month, Guelzow said Klaus had no intention of retiring and intends to remain working with the school district. Klaus has worked since last summer as Northstar Middle School principal after a nine-year stint as superintendent. He was placed on paid administrative leave April 30 pending the outcome of the school board investigation.

The board has met nine times in closed session to interview district employees with knowledge of alterations of Klaus' contract and determine whether to discipline Klaus and others.

Last month, Eau Claire County District Attorney Rich White decided against filing criminal charges in the matter, citing divided board opinion about whether the members discussed and approved the early stipend payments as part of Klaus' contract to move from superintendent to Northstar principal.

Klaus' stipend payments became an issue after an April 19 Leader-Telegram story detailing how former school board President Carol Olson, at Klaus' request, signed and backdated a document in 2007 that would have allowed Klaus to begin receiving his $267,209 stipend last August. Klaus did not receive that money after the board voted in October to deny early stipend payments.

Emerson can be reached at 830-5911, 800-236-7077 or julian.emerson@ecpc.com.