MEDIA RELEASE
May 12, 2015
FROM: Art Johnston, Member of the Board of Education, Independent School District No. 709 (Duluth)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
I received a letter from a school district attorney stating that the Board of Education of Independent School District No. 709 will unilaterally rescind the December 2, 2014 resolution proposing my removal from the board. This letter followed another full day of unproductive settlement discussions, most recently on Monday. I am thrilled they have finally changed their minds. I look forward to focusing on what I was elected to do—to speak freely and advocate for what I believe is best for the Duluth Public Schools. This is a victory for the people I represent in West Duluth, all the people in Duluth that want transparent and accountable government, and all school board members throughout the State of Minnesota who are now protected from precarious removal.
This is the result that I sought from the very beginning. If my colleagues follow through on their promise, I am extremely pleased with the result. Last week Chief Judge Michael J. Davis of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota made absolutely clear during a hearing in Duluth it is improper for the Board of Education to remove a member for expressing his views.
The allegations against me—including the disturbing allegations of assault and racism—were baseless distractions from what I was elected to say and do. I am thrilled my board colleagues appear to have finally recognized this.
I sincerely regret that the School District spent thousands of dollars to investigate the charges against me and to bring the removal resolution, only to withdraw it after appearing before Chief Judge Davis. The entire school district needs to put this behind it and concentrate on the many problems facing our schools. I intend to continue to do my best to fulfill my obligations to the voters who elected me and to the children of Duluth.
For further information: Contact Art Johnston at 218-***-*** or 715-***-***.
