Karen Acres Parents to Question School Board Tonight Over Principal's Resignation

Karen Acres Elementary School parents, questioning the departure of principal Patty Schlotterbeck, plan to appear at tonight's Urbandale school board meeting.

However, the parents aren't specifically on the agenda. What is listed on the agenda is that Superintendent Doug Stilwell will recommend a principal to replace Schlotterbeck. The agenda does not list who he will recommend.

According to school records, the board had a special closed meeting on May 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the school administration office. On the agenda was a student expulsion and discussion of the performance of an employee.

When the board came out of closed session, they voted 4-0 to authorize an early-retirement agreement, subject to receiving Schlotterbeck's resignation.

Karen Acres parent and volunteer Kim Knoll, in an opinion piece on Patch, urged parents to attend this meeting to ask the board about the change. PTA President Brad Ortmeier said he also is encouraging parents to attend the meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers.

A citizen's forum is first on the agenda. Also on the agenda:

• School principals will present their end-of year reports for their schools to the board.
• Approval of an increase in school lunch prices.
• A closed-session evaluation of Stilwell by the board and approval of new contract for him.