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WATERTOWN-MAYER - School board proposes discharge of Guertin (Created: Thursday, August 7, 2008 12:58 PM CDT)

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At its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Watertown-Mayer School Board approved a resolution for the proposed immediate discharge and suspension with pay of Nick Guertin, principal of Watertown-Mayer Elementary School.

The unanimous 5-0 decision (board member Larry Oberender was absent) was made after the board held an approximately 90-minute closed session during the meeting.

In what is sure to be frustrating for the community, privacy laws prohibit district officials from commenting on the reason(s) for the decision.

However, the resolution contained reference to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40, Subd. 13. According to a state website, that statute covers immediate discharge, and reads, in part, that "a board may discharge a continuing-contract teacher, effective immediately, upon any of the following grounds:

(1) immoral conduct, insubordination, or conviction of a felony;

(2) conduct unbecoming a teacher which requires the immediate removal of the teacher from classroom or other duties;

(3) failure without justifiable cause to teach without first securing the written release of the school board;

(4) gross inefficiency which the teacher has failed to correct after reasonable written notice;

(5) willful neglect of duty; or

(6) continuing physical or mental disability subsequent to a 12 months leave of absence and inability to qualify for reinstatement in accordance with subdivision 12."

In addition to the reasons given in the statute, Superintendent Karsten Anderson noted that job performance or budgetary issues could also be reasons for discharging a principal.

In Guertin's case, Anderson was asked but - being prohibited by state statutes from commenting - unable to comment which reason(s) in the statute applied or, in more general terms, whether the circumstances involved an incident or series of incidents, a conflict of interest matter, an ethical issue or if the decision was related to job performance.

At this time, Guertin is still technically a school district employee, at least until the process is complete. Guertin has the right to ask for an arbitrator or the school board to reconsider the decision, an action he must do within 10 days after receiving official notice of the resolution.

Guertin had no comment when reached on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Guertin has been the principal at Watertown-Mayer Elementary School for the past six years. According to Anderson, this is the first time Guertin has faced disciplinary action as an employee of the school district. Before his time at Watertown-Mayer, Guertin worked in the Elk River School District.

Board member Matt Williams said he cannot talk about the circumstances that led to the decision, but he did comment that, "Simply put, the board was put in a position to make a tough, yet obvious performance management decision.

"When these decisions delve into personnel matters we have to discuss behind closed doors," Williams continued. "I can assure our district that this action and its implications were debated ad nauseam by the board. In the end, I believe the best interests of our students, staff and district tax payers were considered.

"The impact will be in the form of some re-shuffling of duties, at least temporarily. We are confident Mr. Anderson, his staff and the great team of teachers will make sure nothing skips a beat."

At this time, it hasn't been determined exactly how or when the elementary principal position will be addressed. The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Editor's note: Due to a technical glitch, some reader comments might have been lost when this story was updated. We are working to restore those comments.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

Responding wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:09 AM:

" There has to be more to this story. I can't imagine that one flirtatious email would have caused his dismissal. The teacher was disciplined by moving her to the Middle School last year; now I understand she left by her own choice for another district. Why wasn't Mr. G disciplined at the same time? Maybe a warning of no emailing on taxpayer time/equipment? Based on the facts I know now, I am in complete support of Mr. G. Atleast until we hear the other side of the story, if we ever do. "

Responding wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:40 AM:

" I'm guessing there is more to this story than can be disclosed at this time. I can't believe one flirtatious email led to his removal. The teacher was disciplined by moving her to the Middle School last year. I understand she has left the district by her own choice. Why was Mr. G not disciplined at that time also? Maybe told/warned he can't send these types of emails or do these things on taxpayer time/equipment? With the facts I know now, I am in full support of Mr. G. But we haven't heard the other side of the story and maybe never will. "

Funny wrote on Aug 26, 2008 7:20 AM:

" Sure is funny how everyone of you will say over and over that Mr G has done and said things he shouldn't have, but no one has given any examples of what he has done(other than send flirtatous emails). Probably because you don't know the real story, just gossip spreading fools. The guy had an affair and he shouldn't have, that is wrong (in my opinion). That seems to be what all of you keep coming back to. What if he wasn't married and it was just a relationship that developed over time? Would he still have been dismissed? There are relationships that develop everyday at schools, other publically supported employers and private companies. Does that mean all of them should be fired as well? We live in a world where we spend more time with our co-workers than we do with our family or friends; relationships will develop.
I am willing to bet there are other teachers in your district that have dated or are dating right now. Watch out they may be your kids teacher next week. "

another taxpayer wrote on Aug 25, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Dear dissapointed: Once again, we are NOT bad parents because our have children heard and seen the actions of these two in the schools. Please don't blame us, our children TOLD us what they have heard and seen. So, please don't speak about things that are clearly untrue. We are not going around bashing Mr. G in front of our kids. Mr. G was "doing things he should not" in front of our kids. If your kid was spared the details, congrats. Some of can not say the same. "

Just Curious wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:12 PM:

" RJMI - How are you figuring that the custodians make more than the administrators? Where are your numbers for that? If you look at their most recent contract, which is available on the district website along with all other contracts for district employees, it's hard to see your point.

And the only "streamlining" going on is the elimination of paraprofessionals - the people who make the least amount of money - and spend 100% of their time actually working with students! "

disappointed wrote on Aug 24, 2008 10:17 PM:

" After reading the comments below, we are so disappointed. We have been fortunate enough not to be involved the "neighborly" bashing of Mr. Guertin. When we told our elementary student that Mr. Guertin would not be returning to school this year, he was clearly disappointed stating how nice Mr. Guertin is and how much fun he made school. Obviously things happened with his personal relationship and obviously plenty of people knew what was going on with Mr. Guertin and the teacher, but we find it sad that many of the kids who have something (bad) to say about all of this, do so because of what they have heard from their parents. Many of the people we know who are quick to judge and worry about the moral compass of those who think the firing was wrong, should look at their own lives and actions and what kind of role models they are for their own children. Nobody is perfect. Scary how so many are talking like they are. We wish Mr. Guertin the best of luck on his next venture. "

another taxpayer wrote on Aug 24, 2008 9:57 AM:

" To Taxpayer money: Getting off subject a bit don't you think???? Stick to the topic at hand, this has nothing to do with the others and the salaries they make???????? This topic is Guertin and his job. Your bitterness about OTHER salaries may best be used on another news article perhaps pertaining to that issue. "

RJMI wrote on Aug 24, 2008 7:27 AM:

" Okay, Superintendent gets $120,000/52 = $2307 a week / 60 hours a week = $38.00 an an hour. Sounds like Karsten is getting ripped off. He also has other schools vying for his services with more pay all the time.

Director of communications gets $78,000 salary /52 = 1500 a week / 55 hours a week = $27.00 an hour. He is saving us more than that an hour by streamlining up areas that needed attention. Sounds like we need to pay Kyle more too. Community ed director gets $62,800/ 52 = $1207 a week / 60 = $20.12 an hour. That's not nearly enough to live very comfortably. Buildings and grounds director gets $49,500 salary / 52 = $952.00 a week / 45 = $21.15 an hour. The primary and elementary principals get $91,000 per year/52 = $1750 / 55 = $31.81 an hour. The High school principal gets $103,000/52 = $1980 a week / 60 = 33.01 an hour. These figures do not include life insurance, 403(b), dental and other benefits. The custodians make more an hour than almost all of the people mentioned above. How many hours of unpaid work do they put in? How much stress do they dealing with people who think they have all the answers to very complex issues? THESE ARE THE REAL NUMBERS. JUST BECAUSE SOMEBODY MAKES OVER $50,000 A YEAR YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE SKEPTICAL. MOST OF THESE PEOPLE COULD MAKE A LOT MORE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR BUT CHOOSE TO STAY IN A FIELD THEY HAVE A PASSION FOR (Which is giving your kids and your neighbors kids the best education that they can with the resources that they are limited to). "

TaxpayerToo wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:41 PM:

" The salaries listed for the school personnel are market rates for a school district demonstrating the excellence that Watertown-Mayer does. Custodians are not merely broom pushers. Many hold class-A operators licenses and are in charge of maintaining the school's many mechanical and electrical systems. Just because the Communications Director supervises this group does not mean that he has any expertise in how their job is performed. The Head Custodian has that job and does the work as well. Its not a purely administrative position. If you are so worried about your tax dollars take a look at what it takes to keep a prisoner behind bars compared to a student behind a desk. "

Taxpayer money wrote on Aug 21, 2008 10:43 PM:

" Okay, Superintendent gets $120,000 salary and 12,000.00 per year insurance. Director of communications gets $78,000 salary and 7,500 year insurance. Community ed director gets $62,800 salary and $6,000 insurance. Buildings and grounds director gets $49,500 salary and $6,000 insurance for doing nothing because they hired the director of communications to oversee him, as well as his wife the food service director who gets 44,800 salary and 6,ooo insurance per year. The primary and elementary principals get $91,000 per year plus 10,000 toward health insurance. The High school principal gets $103,000 salary, middle school principle 96,000 Hs assistant 80,500 and middle school assistant 72,000 plus all get 10,000 toward health insurance. These figures do not include life insurance, 403(b), dental and other benefits. Just salaries and insurance for these 11 people are $1,053,800.00! And they talk about outsourcing custodians and food service? Where is the fiscal responsibility at here? Our district needs to get educated. "

Dear upset wrote on Aug 20, 2008 2:41 PM:

" read the comments from me below under "dear concerened" from today 8/20, that is why I believe it was not handled two years ago. And for those wanting the teacher punished? She is gone, taken employment elsewhere, how do you punish her here now??? "

upset wrote on Aug 20, 2008 2:01 PM:

" Youdontgetit...Why is he the only one responsible? Why is this teacher not responsible? Ok it was done on TAXPAYERS TIME...Why wasnt it handled 2 years ago? Honestly my kids never said anything about MR G and his GF as you put it. Maybe the only kids talking about it are the ones whos parents are all up in everyones business. If Taxpayers had a problem why did it continue for 2 years? "

Getoverit wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:57 PM:

" If this was such a big deal as it is making it out to be why wasnt anything done 2 years ago when it supposedly started? Why was the teacher moved and not both suspended with pay. I think that they both should have recieved the same punishment as they were both involved. This is something so childish and needs to be dropped. It is done and over and apparantly the board doesnt want the parents to speak their minds about it because we would have been notified by them instead of the news. I have nothing against Mr Guertin and to top it off WHY is the teacher involved not being named she is just as guilty. this sounds like a witch hunt to me because if it was serious as they make it seem BOTH of them would be named and BOTH would recieve the same punishment. For you all to be bashing Mr, Guertin you are forgetting this TEACHER as well she is not innocent in all this and I think she needs to be as much responisble as Mr Guertin. "

Dear concerned wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:36 PM:

" Concerened, My understanding is they waited for the teacher to take employment elsewhere. He was her SUPERIOR. So, think about what could have happened if they did this before the teacher left on her own free will? she could feel her job "threatened" and that she could feel "the need to quit due to circumstances pertaining to her and her superior" Could open up a whole new can of worms. Just my thoughts and observations of course. :) "

Concerned Parent wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:57 AM:

" There are most definitely issues with this being done on Taxpayer time! I agree! But there is another issue: This started on Taxpayer time 2 years ago from what I understand. Why did the School Board wait until a few weeks before the start of a new school year to make a decision?!?!

And . . . Why did the school board discipline the teacher by moving her to a different school within the district? but no discipline at the time with Mr. G? "

You dont get it wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:39 PM:

" Once again. this stuff these TWO were doing was ON TAXPAYERS TIME. Not THEIR OWN PERSONAL TIME. Do you understand now? Make any more sense???? Do you SEE now why HE was LET GO????????????
I applaud the school board, the kids can get back to learning and not "talking" about MR. G and his Gf! "

upset wrote on Aug 18, 2008 5:03 PM:

" It doesnt matter if they were married or not at the time does that even matter? What they do in their own life is their own business. If they were married and were flirting that doesnt hurt anyone. that is something they have to live with. I mean come on can you honestly say you do not know someone that had an affair with someone who was married or while they were married? It unfortunately is a common thing these days. If them being married and flirting with eachother is the reason for dismissal and against school policy that is bull. Noone can be fired for something in their personal life that they choose to do. Maybe they were not happy in their marriages anymore it does happen. "

Seriously wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:05 AM:

" If you read the postings on the Kare 11 site, which does not mention that the two parties were married to other people at the time of the flirtations, it seems obvious that this is the tipping point here in Watertown. No one cares about the e-mails, what they are most uptight about is the fact that they were married (to other people) at the time.

This has nothing to do with job performance. These two are being judged for their "immoral" behavior, as defined by the school board. Shouldn't that judgment be made by their God?

Oh, and by the way A. Palmer - I am NOT a Christian, but I do have respect for people with beliefs different from my own. Something that helps me to be more tolerant when I work with the youth of Watertown (which I do). Maybe even with your kids... "

outoftheloopparent wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:21 PM:

" I have 2 kids in WMES and nick Guertin and I talked almost weekly because of some issues with my son. He was always there to help and very understanding. I do not live in Watertown so I dont hear all the rumors(THANK GOD)I wont believe them anyways as I have not seen him harm a child ever. To fire him over these emails is crazy. I want all emails from every single employee in the district made available to the public as I am sure there are worse out there. "

Watertown ParentTaxpayer wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Well, finally someone hit it on the head. This happened TWO YEARS AGO. The quote in the Star Trib from the district's lawyer was they waited for the time to be "ripe." I think the time was ripe two years ago. And I agree, this should have been handled administratively (that would be Mr. Guertin's direct supervisor, who I believe would be Supt. Anderson). Just by the mere fact that the teacher was moved to another building recognizes an awareness on the part of the Superintendent that something should be done. But no counseling, reprimand, according to the reports in the paper. (You see, I don't listen to neighbors gossiping - unlike some people.) Then two years later we villify the man - ruin him on TV and in the papers and look like a foolish little puritan town because "flirtatious e-mails" cause a man's firing. Way to go Watertown-Mayer. But let's go back to why this was on the burner for two years - tending to other legal business - "witch hunt" - to the tune of $100,000 or so at the high school. While I do not know what happened in Mr. Guertin's personal life, nor do I condone affairs, the buck stops at the top and this should have been dealt with at the outset by the Superintendent. "

WM Alumni wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:47 PM:

" All I have to say is get over it. As far as the comment from "A. Palmer" holy cow, are you the most perfect person in the world? To call someone un-Christian, a little harsh, I bet you've done wrong. Flirting e-mail are harmless, so what, he had an affair. How about as a town, everytime someone has an affair it blows up like this, or how about everytime someone does something wrong we start to gossip. That's the Watertown way... "

Watertown Resident wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:04 PM:

" I noticed in one of the comments that this was reported to Mr. Anderson a long time ago. I believe that a report of any complaint of this type of nature should of at the very least resulted in a initial counseling session with Nic G. just to point out what people are noticing. I know if I was doing something wrong, I would want to know right away so I could correct myself. I believe this should of been handled better from the start. This school distict just loves to just paint a pretty picture all the time rather than solve real issues at times! I know we can do better! I'm glad we have caring parents in this community! "

Watertown Resident wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:57 PM:

" As I read the comments here, I am sad that the first violation, if any, is a result of a termination. First of all, if other employees ever feel intimidated by someone elses actions, they should bring it to their attention of their HR Dept. If it happens to be their boss, one should talk to someone else about the situation such as Mr. Anderson (superiendent) or some other person who would handle such an issue. These services could and perhaps should be outsourced to a third party HR (Human Resources) Firm. I do know that employees can feel intimidated and worried about reporting issues that occur within the walls of their employment. No one should ever have to feel that way and should report it if they do. I don't have all the facts about this case but do wonder how many actually personally e-mail people outside of the workplace on non-work related items? How many people visit websites that are non-work related? IE: Playing games on the computer. I bring up a point that this issue could be at a much larger scale and talked about with all employees. I believe the punshiment needs to be more of a written warning to suspension, depending on all the facts. Again, if things are happening within the school walls of Watertown-Mayer, please don't be afraid to let someone know. And if there is no place for employees to turn too, Watertown-Mayer Board and Administration should place it upon themselves to create such a place. Hopefully things can be learn by all from this situation. "

the facts speak for themself wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:55 AM:

" In response to Gossip Gossip Gossip, one guote in the paper from a parent said that parents should be informed of what happen so they can either defended the school board position or have their say if he should stay. So posting facts about the situation is not gossiping it is to inform those that feel the school board is wrong. Fact is that the affair started when the teacher taught 4th grade. Fact is both were still married when it started. Fact is the teacher was moved to 6th grade when this started to get attention so they could seperate them. Fact is a teacher whom did nothing wrong was moved to teach 4th grade. Fact is when parents spoke to the superintent about this matter he told them nothing could be done without evidence that this behavior was done on school property. So the school board did not go on a witch hunt. As to who provided the e-mail, think about it a lot of people know and were looking for the proof to give to the school board. To those that think Mr. Guertin has done nothing to hurt the children, they should ask the teachers three kids that are in the school. "

WM Alumni wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:35 PM:

" I don't know all the situation just like many of you in these posts I have read the articles and heard the gossip from around the town. And its shocking how these stories get blown up into something more then what it could be. Everyone is looking for a devious scandalous story to happen in their small backyard, but what about the people that could have saved this educator's career. Instead of brushing it off and going your way if something was truly off. Go to the source let them know the jig is up. But no it seems like everything was left unchecked to go this route. And a good educator once again got the bad end of the stick. Yea he is to blame but the right thing to do is to help one another not let them fall and step all over them. Good people are hard to find in the education field and we need to do more to help out those who are trying to help our youth. "

Only in Watertown wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:15 PM:

" I can't believe you people. Gossip, Gossip,Gossip. The man did his job. We have all played telephone and know the outcome. So he had an affair with another Teacher, who cares!!!! Get over it and focus on your own lives as you all live in glass houses, so stop your stone throwing. Nick is a great guy and the kids love him. His personal life is his regardless of where he was at. "

happy hes gone parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:35 PM:

" TO poster Dissapointed- WE ARE NOT SLINGING MUD. Guertin got himself in this mess. Don't blame WM parents, don't blame thier children because they have heard and WITNESSED things they should not.They are in thier school and should NOT HAVE TO SEE OR HEAR THIS, YET THEY DID. If your children are in the dark about this issue, consider yourself lucky, most of WM students have a knowledge of this on one level or another. Don't take your anger out on parents, take it out where it belongs, the principal and his actions. "

watertown resident wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Anyone that is defending Mr. Guertin and this teacher's behavior have no idea what kinda of things fellow teachers and staff members have witnessed. I know people are bitting their lip to keep quite. This matter has made many staff uncomforable and down right mad for the past two years. To those who don't think the kids are affected by this, should have spent any given day in the Middle School lunch room and hear what was being said. "

A. Palmer wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:29 PM:

" To poster SERIOUSLY...I can't believe you condone this type of immoral, un-Christian behavior. And the fact that you'd welcome "flirtatious e-mails" yourself says alot about your character. I pray you're not involved with any of our kids at school. I can imagine the damage you'd inflict with your immoral beliefs! "

disappointed wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:25 PM:

" I agree with seriously who asked, "Who provided the emails." I would hope the district would look at how he obtained them and if that was done in a legal manner. I have children in the w-m schools. They are not aware of this. The only children I have observed commenting on this situation are from the same parents slinging the mud. You are your children's role models. Look what you are teaching them. "

Parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Thank you "in the know" the children DO know about this and it is just wrong to have your child tell you all about the principal and his Girlfriend. Thier actions are appalling, especially on school grounds. I wish more of you really could see the forest through the trees! "

in-the-know parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:00 PM:

" I agree with the last post. This affair took place in WMES, do you really want your children to be subjected to that? Shouldn't good morals and values be instilled in children instead of cheathing and sneaking around. And did anyone notice what is happening with that other teacher? Do your research people. Obviously there were things that were outright wrong happening on school grounds. I'm glad the school finally did something about it! "

parent of Watertown-Mayer wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:16 AM:

" My child was also in 4th grade with the teacher when this whole thing started. Mr. Guertin and the other teacher were still married when this affair started. We questioned the school about it then and nothing was done. If this is what he wants to do on his own time fine, but NOT during school hours. I am very happy to see that something is FINALLY being done. This has been going on for two years now. "

Watertown parenttaxpayer wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:08 AM:

" I am just plain mad that more of my tax money is going for these "witch hunts" - quoted from another Watertown parent. And since when do we get our information from "our neighbors"? Unless your neighbor is on the school board and has violated data privacy, no one really knows the truth other than vicious, hurtful gossip that perpetuates itself. Let's just hope that those of you so quick to criticize don't find yourselves the target of stories from your neighbors. And, WM, don't come back and ask for any more money from me until you get back to the education of our students and stop wasting money on lawyers. We still haven't heard the outcome or price tag (by my count around $80-100,000) of your last legal battle. What would that pay for: two teachers? one dir. of communications -(by the way, what does that have to do with student achievement?) Somewhere along the way, something has been lost or forgotten. Good thing that five of you are up for re-election so you can answer for your decisions IN PUBLIC. "

Parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:36 AM:

" To the poster below, Yes it does happen in other work places. But... Nick works for the public, his salary is PAID by US! He can do what he wants on HIS time, but what he does on the taxpayers time, is WRONG and IS our business. "

another parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:47 AM:

" I cannot even begin to express my disappointment in this story and in some of these responses. I don't think anyone has enough information yet to be making these sweeping accusations, yet all kinds of people are more than happy to "throw the first stone." Our experience with Principal Guertin was nothing but positive. That's not to say that nothing happened, but for those of you who are trying to paint him as being 100% horrible - you are totally wrong. The fact is that most people don't even know for sure what this is about. Either the termination is justified or it's a witchhunt, but reading over these comments I wouldn't be surprised if it's the latter. The StarTrib article today made it sound like this may have been a situation calling for disciplinary action, but not firing. One way or another, we don't know.

What we do know is that a number of people here have already shown their true colors. And to the woman who commented "ask your neighbors" - my neighbors are the kind of people who gossip and make things up. We have already been the victims of a horrible rumor those two spread that was completely untrue and I suspect you are exactly the same way. It's so sad to see how people love to watch someone else fall. Does it really make you feel superior to post these kind of comments? I suppose the high and mighty here have never made a mistake that could be open to criticism. Wow - must be nice to be so perfect.

How about people get off their high horses and see this for what it is? There are very few situations like this that are all black or all white. Chances are that something did occur, and chances also are that a number of people are overreacting to it.

Principal Guertin - thank you for all your help and support. These two parents will certainly miss you. "

Parent of a th grader in - school yeaer wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:27 AM:

" The paper makes it should like this affiar happen last winter. My child was a 4th grader when the teacher taught 4th grade and the class knew something was going on between MR. Guertin and her. The kids have been effected by this matter for the last couple of years. Then she was moved to be a 6th grade teacher, this was to stop the so called rumors. Neither of them were going thru a divorce when this started. This is the reason for the divorces. This is well know around school and kids are smarter then you think and know more then you think. "

Seriously wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:23 AM:

" The article in the Star Trib says that he was terminated for sending flirtatious e-mails, copies of which were provided to the school board (by who???).

Please tell me our school board did not leave us vulnerable to litigation over something so ridiculous. Anyone who has ever had a relationship with a co-worker should be dismissed immediately! Personally, I would much rather get a flirtatious e-mail than all those solicitations to buy Pampered Chef, Daisy Blue, and any other merchandise my co-workers are trying to sell me so they can get free stuff. Will the board be reviewing EVERYONE's district e-mail and terminating anyone who uses it "inappropriately"? Half the staff could be gone... "

Parents of students wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:46 PM:

" I feel by the decision that has been made you are truly punishing the children of WMES. You say he failed at being a Principal incredibly, but yet he has been doing it for the past six years, and this is his first disciplinary action taken...wow and it took a whole 90 minutes. You say you had to discuss this behind closed doors because it delved into personnel matters....that's where you should have left it. Personal and behind those doors. Now you drop this bomb on the entire community, and right before school is going to be starting. Standards and values "ask your neighbor" do you have any standards and values for yourself? What matters is what Nick does within the walls of the school building....not the walls outside that surround his personal life. He is sooo great with all of the kids and truly cares about each and everyone of them...you can see it in him, and the students faces. Who died and made all of you so perfect? "

Concerned parent wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:24 PM:

" Since our children have been under his care for 6 years, I believe we are owed an explanation. We have the right to know what was done on school property. Some kind of an explanation is needed to be told to stop all the rumors. When people don't have the facts rumors are started and spread and grow. "

parent wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:30 PM:

" No one knows the entire story and no one ever will! How about we stop bashing Nick Guertin before our kids hear what we are saying so they do not go and repeat it to others. This stuff happens in all different type of work places. How about we move on and get over it!!! "

concerned wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:39 PM:

" Its about time something has been done. Even though this was a difficult decision on the part of the school board. It was the right decision. Although we can't have all the facts due to Mr. Guertin's dismissal, I believe the unanimous vote says alot. So for you who disagree remember Mr. Guertin is the one who chose this route, may he drop his pride and not arbitrate this decision and own up to his MISTAKE and take the consequences!! What makes me mad is that he continues to get paid for making a bad choice. Its one thing what you do in your personal life but when things are done on school grounds and on paid time HE should be ahamed not the board!!! "

parent wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:50 AM:

" There are laws and rules to follow and the school board followed them-and we all as taxpayers demand that. Mr. Guertin might be good as a principal (that is debateable also) but he has made some very poor choices in his personal life and as an example to young children. We as parents of elementary students have seen things a principal should not be doing. be active in your school--stay informed- "

parent of Watertown Mayer students wrote on Aug 9, 2008 9:10 PM:

" Its about time the school board does something about this matter. I hope the discharge is permanent. "

parent wrote on Aug 9, 2008 3:12 PM:

" He did not do anything that should prevent him from having another job, it was nothing like that. He does have a family to feed, Kristin what kind of person are you? Where are your morals? Nick has done nothing that would affect the kids. We should have been given a choice to vote. Small town rumors have made this worse than it is.
School board you have made a big mistake. "

Shelly olson wrote on Aug 9, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Wow kristin do you really know what Nick has done or are you just going by what your neighbors have told you? As a parent who is at the school quite a bit, I have never seen Mr. Guertin loose focus on his students or staff. My kids think he is a great principal.
I have been there in the past when other principals have been there, talk about unhealthy atmosphere. "

WatertownMayer Parent wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:22 PM:

" We have been with the district for several years. Mr.Guertin has been an incredible asset to our district. My child looked forward to going to school every day. He cares about each and every student and it shows. I have been a volunteer and never witnessed him not giving 100%. It was sad to read one of these articles about asking your neighbor what he did. I would never want to do something like that. It is my understanding that he has a disagreement with the school board and nothing more. I wonder what your neighbor has to say about you? "

parent of student wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:03 PM:

" I am in shock. This is the first I have heard about this situation. We have had 2 children go though the elementary school over the past 5 years, with Mr. Guertin as their principal. My children adore and respect him! I have never witnessed any behavior other than what an elementary school principal should represent. This is completely unfair to leave us parents wondering what has taken place, and not allow us to make and voice our own opinion in support for or against the school boards decision. "

Kristen Johnson wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:01 PM:

" From a parent of WM Schools....
I applaud the school district and board for FINALLY taking action on the removal of Mr. Nick Guertin. His past activity and inability to focus on his job and left no other choice.
I am thoroughly grateful the board voted and acted in response to Mr. Guertins lack of standards and values. (if you are unaware of his past actions-ask your neighbors!) He is to set an example to his employees and to the 500+ students who walk thru those doors everyday. and he failed at this incredibly. He was a very negative asset to the school district. I can only hope other school districts do not hire him. It leaves a principal position available --possibly for one of the administrators from the MS & HS as we are so HEAVY with individual salaries in administration at WM. "

Reader wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:25 PM:

" " If the paper hadn't reported on it, how do you think we would have found out that he was released, whether it's right or wrong? " "

Concerned Parents wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:25 PM:

" " I am thoroughly disappointed in Carver County News AND our school board. We believe that these "allegations" towards Nick Guertin to be completely false and religiously motivated. He has done nothing to hurt children, and on the contrary, has been a positive change agent for WMES. Because he is professional and all about children, he has chosen, "no comment" for a reason. The board was on a witch hunt last year and this year with it's administration. When will they let WMS be about achievement and children? We are not concerned about Nick Guertin and his credibility, but more concerned about the school board and a disfunctional system! " "

parent of Watertown wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:24 PM:

" " To whom this may concern:

Nick has been nothing but an exceptional principal. To print this article is disgrace! It leaves the general public with a void to "fill in the blanks". Unacceptable!!!!!!!!!!!! " "

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