WELLMAN

The Mid-Prairie school board met for a two-hour closed session Monday night in response to notification that the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) “found probable cause to establish a violation of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics” upon investigation of complaints filed against Superintendent Brian Stone, Special Education Director Amy Shalla, and Middle School Principal Rob Hruby.

The alleged violations pertain to “unethical practice toward other members of the profession, parents, students, and the community,” specifically “Delegating tasks to unqualified personnel,” “Failure of a school official responsible for assigning licensed practitioners holding contracts under Iowa Code section 279.13 to adjust an assignment if the practitioner discloses to the official that the practitioner is not properly licensed for an assignment,” and “Failure of an administrator to protect the safety of staff and students.”

On May 17, 2024, the BOEE ordered this case set for hearing. Hearings rarely occur, however, as most cases are eventually settled. Should a hearing take place, it may take over a year to schedule.

On Tuesday, July 2, the Mid-Prairie Community School District Board of Education released the following statement:

“The Mid-Prairie Community School District Board of Education acknowledges that there has been a finding of probable cause from the Board of Educational Examiners regarding Superintendent Brian Stone, a former middle school principal, and a former special education director. The Board is of the understanding that there is no substantive basis for this finding and will work with the Board of Educational Examiners and counsel to ensure a fair and just resolution.

“Regarding inquiries about the Board's awareness of the specific allegations, the District is bound by law to maintain the confidentiality of personnel information and therefore cannot provide specific comments on these matters.

“The Board will continue to support Superintendent Stone and all Mid-Prairie staff throughout this legal process. We remain dedicated to fostering a positive and productive environment for our students and community as we move forward into the 2024-25 school year.”

Although at press time it is unclear whether the complaints considered by the BOEE are related to those brought before the school board at their Nov. 27, 2023, regular meeting, the concerns raised by a community member at that time mirror the alleged violations.

During public forum, Andy McCall spoke on behalf of his daughter, Kristene Evans, a special education teacher who resigned from her position at the Middle School during the 2022-2023 school year. Evans was asked to do Strat II teaching, which she made clear to administrators she was not licensed to do, McCall said.

A student “ended up punching her in the stomach” while she was pregnant. “She later asked this administration to remove this child from her roster so this wouldn’t happen again. They said we can’t do that,” he said, and continued abuse from the student resulted in the end of the pregnancy. “My grandchild got killed,” McCall told the board.

Shalla’s resignation was accepted by the board in February, and Hruby’s resignation was accepted in April. Stone’s contract was extended two years in June.

All subjects in this story are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.