Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 19 comments | Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
photo by Bryan Clapper
Curt Rude
School board to vote on resolution to remove Curt Rude
Published Friday, February 5, 2010
Controversial board member Curt Rude could be removed from the school board following a meeting Monday night.
The board will vote on a resolution to remove ex-police captain Rude, who is currently suing the district and former superintendent Candace Raskin, during its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the city council chambers.
“We are voting on this due to a conflict of interest that has arisen due to a law suit,” superintendent David Krenz said.
Rude sued the district and Raskin in November, alleging that statements made by Raskin up to two years ago were defamatory and damaging. He seeks at least $50,000, the minimum required in a civil suit.
Austin Public Schools has denied all allegations and asked that Rude recoup any expenses incurred. The district and Raskin will seek a dismissal of the case during a motion hearing in March.
“It would be a very easy thing, to resign,” Rude said. “There is a certain degree of a perceived conflict of interest, but we need to remember that I would be excluded from all meetings where the lawsuit, knowledge of it, or any strategy are discussed.”
Rude has already been excluded from several private legal strategy meetings of the board under attorney-client privilege.
Rude said he is ready to consider all opinions on the matter, but through his own legal counsel, and reference to media reports, he is under the impression that he has a right to remain on the board.
According to Minnesota Statute 123B.09, the school board will need a vote of at least four members for the resolution to pass Monday. However, this would not immediately oust Rude.
If the resolution passes, an Independent Hearing Officer will review evidence and hear Rude’s defense on Feb. 16. At the regular monthly meeting in March, the board would receive the Independent Hearing Officer’s recommendation and vote on Rude’s removal.
If Rude vacates the board, his seat will be filled by a board appointee, pursuant to the state statute. This person would serve through the duration of Rude’s term that expires in December of 2011.
Rude was convicted on a felony drug count in November and was officially terminated from his police department job weeks ago.
He had been on leave since 2007, the year that he was elected to the school board and later charged with the crime.
Some board members and Raskin voiced their dissent when Rude was sworn in as a board member in 2008 while facing charges.
The board could have recommended he be removed from his position at that time, which would have also taken at least four votes. Some have charged that Rude was part of a four-member bloc, and he was instead elected as clerk.
“I do feel that sitting on a board while suing that board may create a conflict of interest,” board chairperson Richard Lees said Thursday.
Previous Austin Daily Herald reports indicate that Lees originally recruited Rude to run for election. Lees claimed he did not recruit Rude.
Board member Kathy Green, who said in 2008 that Rude should step down while facing charges, said she will not be able to comment on this resolution until it faces the board Monday.
“I was voted in and I take that patriotic duty very seriously,” Rude said. “I just hope this is a thorough process, and all sides are presented and all sides find peace.”
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by babar (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Drama oh the constant Austin DRAMA!!
Posted by Seymour (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Board Chairperson Richard Lees originally recruited Rude to run for election.
“I do feel that sitting on a board while suing that board may create a conflict of interest,” he said Thursday.
Thank you Chairman Lees for acknowledging the tremendously OBVIOUS!
“I was voted in and I take that patriotic duty very seriously,” Rude said. “I just hope this is a thorough process, and all sides are presented and all sides find peace.”
Well I hope Mr. Rude you'll also take very seriously and respect the patriotic function of being voted out as well.
What an absolute embarrassing fiasco to our town.
Posted by mightym (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, this man makes the Austin community look foolish.
If he took his "patriotic duty very seriously" then what is the excuse for his School Board attendance last year?
I can't wait for him to be voted off the school board and have the lawsuit thrown out so our community can focus on what is important instead of wasting time on his drama.
Posted by Norman (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rude doesn't make the community look foolish. He makes the "bloc" look foolish for recruiting him, electing him Secretary and continuing to defend him even after his conviction on felony drug possession charges. Let's face it, school district employees, their spouses and relatives have traditionally held a strong presence on the board. Why? Because school district employees represent a high percentage of the votes cast. Finally, Lees acknowledges Rude's remaing as a member of the board he is suing "...may create a conflict of interest." Are you still not sure, Mr. Lees?
The "bloc" accomplished their primary objective, which was to get rid of Dr. Raskin. They should all step aside and allow the district to be run by members whose highest priority is the welfare of the students.
Posted by GWAnderson (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
O well? on and on and on!
Posted by MrBojangles (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Norm, I assume you will be running in the next election.
Posted by new2yearsago (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Being new here and constantly hearing about this Rude character is getting old. Lets move on past this and of course Mr. Rude needs to move on too and it sounds like maybe out of Austin would be a good idea. See ya!
Posted by objectivereader (anonymous) on February 5, 2010 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There was a time when I believed Curt Rude had a great deal to offer the Austin Public School District. My position on this matter has now changed drastically. I have known Curt Rude professionally and personally for many years. I have not always agreed with his actions as Police Captain or as a private citizen. I did believe that his initial motivation to become a member of the Austin School Board was genuine and would serve the children, faculty, and staff of District 492 with objectivity and integrity. While I do not believe Curt intended to act maliciously with his actions involving evidence at the PD, I do believe they were extremely unprofessional and irresponsible. It is appropriate that he was found guilty of interfering with property in official custody and felony drug possession and ultimately lost his opportunity to be a Peace Officer in MN again. I am extremely angered that he has filed a lawsuit against Austin Public Schools. This is not just a vindictive move against those who didn’t agree with or support him. This is a BATTLE that has engaged the entire school district – including the children who are supposed to be led and nurtured by community leaders and School Board. The battle he has waged victimizes the children the most &his actions demonstrate his obvious lack of concern for the children, faculty, staff, administrators and board members that have taken an oath to dedicate their service to these children. Curt Rude’s behaviors are dangerous, destructive and undermine the Austin Public School students as well as the entire community of Austin, the Austin PD, Chief Phillip & ALL professionals in law enforcement and education. He has brought disgrace to a community who take pride in putting children and families first. The manner in which he has handled the issues with the School Board as well as the criminal investigation and trial are inexcusable and entirely unacceptable. It is unfortunate that so many people have come to judge the institutions of Education and Law Enforcement by the actions of this one individual. It’s time for Rude to take Chief Phillip’s lead and step down. I do not condone any alleged improprieties Chief Phillip may, or may not have been involved in. His decision to resign from a position that he loved was made in order to protect the APD and community from further public scrutiny. Rude damaged that enough and now it’s time to end this insane mockery. The Comedy Show is over and unfortunately it was never funny at all. The best “community service” that Rude could perform would be to move to a different community and try to salvage what is left of his relationship with his family and start a new life. The war is over Curt and there is nothing left to fight. You have lost any “soldiers” whose opinion and support mattered. All that is left is your insane selfishness and vindictive followers. This community has suffered enough casualties. Hold up the white flag Curt and surrender.
Posted by GWAnderson (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Had he gone to jail like anyone else would have.
We would no longer have a problem with Curt Rude conduct in this City.
Posted by Norman (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Again, the problem is no longer Curt Rude; he is an empty shell.
Posted by GWAnderson (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Noman, I agree he is an empty shell, however he is fanning on stage.
Posted by Norman (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The board will likely be need to appoint a replacement for Rude. It would be great to see someone from the farming community serving on the board again.
Posted by SeminoleGrad (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a devasting blow it has been to this community to have wasted so much precious time on Curt Rude's antics. We could have been enjoying the benefits of a very competent school board member for the past year and instead that seat has been wasted on someone who has spent more time in a courtroom. Where was his concern for "defamation of character" when he made the choice to become a convicted felon? Where was his concern for "defamation of character" when as a newly elected school board member he chose to have a screaming match with Candace Raskin in the middle of the school hall? Congratulations to the "bloc" for the success of their "agenda" however, those of us with children still attending Austin Public Schools have paid the price. Candace Raskin and her leadership abilities are missed. What makes Curt Rude think he is such a valuable school board member anyway? What has he accomplished in the past year other than to make his school board seat a joke? Curt Rude should have been gone a long time ago!!! In any other community, he would have been!!!
Posted by Mauritz (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Screaming match" pretty well nails it. That was the situation at the time Mr. Rude and others were elected. The term "bloc" was coined when the seated "bloc" was usurped. Had the seated board and administration all worked as a team, at this time, this scenario might well have been avoided.
KAAL, this AM, made clear that the lawsuit and the felony were two separate issues. I believe the district would have insurance for this type of suit and that money is not being taken from programs.
The whole thing is very unfortunate. It appears the district has survived and citizens will continue to strive to make it a better place as many bloggers have stated.
Posted by ruserious (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mauritz...
Are you insane? Insurance companies aren't in business to lose money. Someone will pay for it. And ultimately, the money trail will trickle down to all of us, including our children.
Posted by ramsey (anonymous) on February 14, 2010 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Objectivereader-- your self righteousness is beyond belief. Take a look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. The people who supported Raskin were voted off. There is a reason for that. The one who saw what was really going on in the district was voted back in. People know. Save your rants and lectures for someone who cares-- which is basically no one in your case.
Posted by RJ (anonymous) on February 20, 2010 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now let's have a thorough front page run down on why Chief Phillips LEFT so suddenly and what allegations are against Mrs. Raskin. I hope Curt wins big his lawsuit and leave Peyton Place for good to some place with people with hearts instead of knives.
Posted by ramsey (anonymous) on February 20, 2010 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree. Why did Phillip leave so suddenly? Let's hope the details come to light and nothing is swept under the table. As tax payers we need to know the truth!!!
Posted by JoFriday (anonymous) on February 21, 2010 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed RJ and ramsey...... for this community to move forward in a healthy manner, we taxpayers deserve to know that the investigation is done with all due diligence. That said, we taxpayers deserve to hear the truth. Though many citizens may be fearful or even intimidated to ask questions OR make statements in this regard, these citizens DO in fact CARE. Countless questions have risen within this whole web of 2 + years, and the community has the right to know the answers. That's it; pure and simple.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)