Duluth School Board member Tom Kasper resigned from his position Friday as the city of Duluth’s building and grounds supervisor.
The resignation comes after Kasper posted on his Facebook page Sept. 10 that he was taking the month off. City officials confirmed that week the existence of an active complaint against Kasper, but declined to divulge details.
Kasper, who could not be reached for comment Monday, has in the past declined to talk about the complaint or his absence from the city.
City officials have not released information about the complaint or the reason for Kasper’s resignation.
“You would have to ask Mr. Kasper about that,” said Alison Lutterman, a deputy city attorney who typically handles data requests for the city.
Under the state’s Data Practice Act, the specific complaint and the reason for a disciplinary action taken against an employee only becomes public when a government entity “makes its final decision about the disciplinary action. … Final disposition includes a resignation by an individual when the resignation occurs after the final decision of the government entity, or arbitrator.”
Kasper’s resignation occurred before any disciplinary action was taken, Lutterman said.
“There was no final disciplinary action taken against Mr. Kasper,” Lutterman said. “We do not pursue complaints against people who are no longer employed with the city of Duluth.”
Kasper is in his third year of a four-year School Board term.
Board Chairwoman Ann Wasson said Monday that Kasper’s resignation doesn’t concern her.
“I don’t know why he resigned,” she said. “Tom is a very good and effective School Board member and I am sure he will continue to be. He advocates for children all of the time.”
Member Art Johnston said the resignation and suspension does raise concerns.
“I think we should know what happened so we, the board, and citizens can make sure there aren’t any negative ramifications on him being a School Board member.”
Member Bill Westholm said what happened with the city isn’t connected with the School Board.
“He’s still a person in good standing as far as I am concerned,” he said.
Duluth school Superintendent Bill Gronseth said his working relationship with Kasper has been positive.
“He cares a great deal about the community and education,” Gronseth said. “It doesn’t affect my personal workings with him.”
Kasper had worked for the city’s park maintenance department since 1994.
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