With all that's written regarding the supt of schools decision to leave, and specifically his stated rationale for leaving, why haven't the obvious questions been asked? Isn't he responsible for management of the district's budget? Isn't he responsible for the success/failure of any referendum deemed necessary to operate the schools? In my opinion, he has pulled the wool over everyone's eyes, refocusing the discussion away from his obvious failures and instead blaming a single individual, a former employee, now a board member who the voters elected by a comfortable margin.

As a new resident (September), I watched the actions following the recent election with "no dog in the fight", so to speak. And astonishment.

If I'm not mistaken, Westerhaus has voiced "threats" to leave earlier. Especially with that in mind, his recent statements strike me as being akin to a child's "If you don't play my way, I'm gonna take my marbles and go home."

Definitely not behavior that sets an example for Students. And, were I serving on another district's school board, I would keep that in mind in considering any job application.

The divisiveness his words have created is hardly a worthy legacy to leave - and it certainly wouldn’t look good on anyone’s resume.

By the way Dr. Westerhaus did not resign.

Last night he asked the School Board to give him a Three Year Leave of absence so he could maintain his medical and TRA contributions.

Passed 7-0 with no discussion.

Are you on this story Prior Lake American?!? What does this mean for the district financially speaking? Why a 3 year leave of absence? I thought he was applying for other jobs.

Found it. Thanks. No cost to the taxpayer and it will help Dr. W. Makes sense to me.

Well at least we know we did not have a true leader on the school board. In times of adversary, is when people need true leaders. I have read several books on leadership, and none of them say to quit when times get tough.

People wonder why we are over budget? In any private business, benefits stop. If they want to continue benefits, they utilize this little known law called Cobra. Why would we give a guy a three year leave of absence who quit so he can collect a pension check. Sorry, buddy, you need to earn it like the rest of us.