Westonka Activities Director Resigns in Wake of 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions

Westonka's activities director has resigned.

Dion Koltes' resignation took effect at the end of Monday, March 11, and he will receive more than $25,000 in salary he was scheduled to receive for the rest of the 2012-13 school year.

Koltes came under heavy fire from parents in the Westonka community following the suspension of six students for performing the "Harlem Shake" during a lunch hour. The students included several hockey players, and their suspensions came less than 24 hours before an opening round game—which Westonka eventually went on to lose.

Related posts:

• Westonka Superintendent Pens Letter to Community Regarding Harlem Shake Suspensions
• Westonka Resident Seeks Answers from Superintendent About 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions
• Mound Westonka Places Athletic Director on Leave Following 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions

The seven-page resignation agreement made public Tuesday afternoon (attached to this post) includes a clause absolving both Koltes and the district from any wrongdoing.

From the Westonka School District:

At the Monday, March 11 meeting of the Westonka School Board, the Board approved the resignation of Activities Director Dion Koltes. The Board released this statement regarding their decision:

“The Board has approved the resignation agreement, which is between Dion Koltes and the District. Mr. Koltes’ resignation is effective immediately. In exchange for his resignation and release of all claims against the District, the District has agreed to pay Mr. Koltes through June 30, 2013, but not for the final year on his contract, which ends June 30, 2014. The Board reached this agreement to avoid any potential dispute related to the employment agreement and so that both parties could move forward in an amicable fashion. The Board believes that this agreement is in the best interests of the District.”

Statement on the Investigation March 12, 2013

The investigation authorized by the Westonka School Board into the events surrounding the Feb. 22 incident in the Mound Westonka High School lunchroom is now being conducted. Attorney Tessa Wagner has begun a comprehensive review of the incident, which involves meetings with the various stakeholders and a careful investigation of facts.

As stated by School Board Chair Dave Botts, “In order to give these events the thorough examination that is clearly warranted, it would be premature to set a completion date. This investigation is the top priority of the board and we will use these findings to determine what changes should be made.”

Superintendent Kevin Borg Statement March 11, 2013

I would like to review where we are regarding the lunchroom incident a few weeks ago. Again, I am sorry for the hurt that has been felt by our students, our parents and our staff through this incident.

First, the investigation authorized by the board into the lunchroom incident is now underway and is being conducted by attorney Tessa Wagner. I am committed to being as transparent as possible, but I cannot break privacy laws nor can I interfere with the ongoing investigation. The community has elected a board to oversee the affairs of this school district, and they are committed to serving this community.
 
In the midst of this investigation, it is important that I share that Mound Westonka High School staff and students have handled themselves well.

Our school administrators have had long careers in this district and make hundreds of decisions daily. Most of these decisions are invisible to people. Their decisions have led Westonka to many successes; and together, students, parents, staff and school administration have accomplished great

As stated by School Board Chair Dave Botts, “In order to give these events the thorough examination that is clearly warranted, it would be premature to set a completion date. This investigation is the top priority of the board and we will use these findings to determine what changes should be made.”

I would like to review where we are regarding the lunchroom incident a few weeks ago. Again, I am sorry for the hurt that has been felt by our students, our parents and our staff through this incident.

First, the investigation authorized by the board into the lunchroom incident is now underway and is being conducted by attorney Tessa Wagner. I am committed to being as transparent as possible, but I cannot break privacy laws nor can I interfere with the ongoing investigation. The community has elected a board to oversee the affairs of this school district, and they are committed to serving this community.
 
In the midst of this investigation, it is important that I share that Mound Westonka High School staff and students have handled themselves well.

Our school administrators have had long careers in this district and make hundreds of decisions daily. Most of these decisions are invisible to people. Their decisions have led Westonka to many successes; and together, students, parents, staff and school administration have accomplished great thngs.

Jeff Peterson, dean of students at Grandview Middle School and head White Hawks baseball coach, will continue serving as interim activities director until the position is filled. Interviews for the position will begin in May.   

Finally, I want to conclude by saying that the work of school and district administration is difficult and important work. I feel privileged to do such important work for our community. You will continue to have my very best efforts going forward.