Investigation of Lynden superintendent almost complete

KIRA MILLAGE

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LYNDEN - An investigation into undisclosed allegations about the Lynden School District's superintendent is nearing completion.

Next week, the school board will look at final results of the Washington Schools Personnel Association's investigation into Superintendent Dennis Carlson's performance. The investigation was started by the school board in the spring after a report from consulting firm Alston-Kline showed dissatisfaction among the staff with how the district is being run, especially regarding communication and confidentiality.

The school board decided in June to not extend Carlson's three-year contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2009-10 school year. Before June 30 each year, school boards must decide action on such contracts, so the district could still change gears and extend his contract next June.

UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Lynden School Board will meet twice next week.
Executive session: 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, in the district office, 1203 Bradley Road.
Regular meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in the Lynden High School library, 1201 Bradley Road.

READ THE REPORT

To read the Lynden School District's evaluations of Superintendent Dennis Carlson, click here.

"As far as running the district, I have legal obligations as superintendent ... and I'll be carrying out those obligations to the best of my ability," Carlson said in a phone interview Thursday, July 24. "I have no doubt the kids will get the education they need because we have a solid core of very dedicated teachers."

Specific examples of misconduct were not provided. The Bellingham Herald filed public disclosure requests in mid-June about the Alston-Kline consultant process and all subsequent investigations. The request is being processed by the district at this time.

The following came from Carlson's annual evaluations, obtained through public disclosure requests.

? 2002-03, his first year in Lynden, the school board called him a "good communicator," "very approachable," and hoped "he will be with us a long time." He was told to work on communication with central staff and principals and provide more information prior to board meetings.

? 2006-07, the board commended his networking and handling of contract negotiations. He was again told to work on communication.

? 2007-08, the review will be provided to The Bellingham Herald after the board approves written comments from Carlson, school officials said.

This past school year, the school board and district worked with consulting group Alston-Kline to examine areas of frustration, after the controversial move of two school administrators the previous summer.

The subsequent report showed that 80 percent of the people who participated in group interview sessions -136 people - said the best thing for the district would be for Carlson to leave.

"I'm confident with the process," Carlson said, adding that the school board is acting within its authority. "I have confidence eventually the story will be told, and from my opinion, I have nothing to hide and don't feel like I've done anything wrong."