LT article 7/28/08

Updated: 7/28/2008 11:32:02 PM
Board considers possible severance deal with Klaus
By Julian Emerson
Leader-Telegram staff
The Eau Claire school board still hasn't reached a decision regarding former Superintendent Bill Klaus' future with the district, but that action appears to be coming soon, sources close to the situation said.

Board members and Klaus met Monday night in the latest of a series of meetings during the last three months as the board continues its investigation of Klaus' attempt to access his retirement stipend earlier than previously allowed in his contract.

Monday's meeting - which included discussion with Klaus - continued late into the night as the board contemplated a possible severance agreement with him. Resolution of the contentious matter likely will involve one of two options: a deal in which the two sides agree to a buyout of Klaus' contract or an offer by the board that Klaus could contest and take to court.

Either way, it doesn't appear likely Klaus will remain a district employee long term.

Klaus' lawyer, Eau Claire attorney Thomas Guelzow, has said Klaus intends to retain his Northstar Middle School principal job and noted he would recommend Klaus contest any board action to fire him without a full buyout of his contract and payment of his $267,209 stipend.

However, district officials last week said Klaus has cleaned out his office at Northstar, prompting questions about his remaining in that position.

Board members have expressed a desire to move beyond the contract controversy before the start of the upcoming school year. Reaching an agreement with Klaus would presumably do away with concerns about lawsuit-related costs if Klaus were to contest his possible firing.

But the board may not be willing to buy out Klaus' contract to resolve the matter, especially given public sentiment against that action.

Klaus' stipend payments became an issue after an April 19 Leader-Telegram story detailed how former board President Carol Olson, at Klaus' request, signed and backdated a document that would have allowed Klaus to begin receiving his stipend - retirement pay in addition to that available as part of the Wisconsin Retirement System - last August. The document would have ensured that Klaus started receiving that money at age 53 instead of 55. District officials say Klaus has not received his stipend money.