Chris Lind Update - Closure?

I know that there are several people who are looking for an update to the Chris Lind story that I brought to your attention last year. Well I think we will have closure. Last week a judge ruled that Chris' employment records were considered private. Today, this letter appeared in our local paper.

In June 2007, I was fired by Independent School District 719 after five years of service. At the time, I was employed as a campus supervisor. My duties included security, truancy and emergency-procedure drills. Over time, I developed a rapport with the students, many of whom solicited my advice on various school-related and personal matters.

In time, my role expanded because of the positive relationships I built with students and the administration. I was asked to participate in events outside of my specific job description, including monitoring student sections at games, dances and other events. I monitored and advised various clubs, including the Prior Lake Bible Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The administration encouraged and rewarded my participation in these endeavors. In June of 2006, I was nominated for high school paraprofessional of the year.

In August 2006, I was advised that a “parent” had complained about a discussion I had with a Prior Lake High School “student.” It was alleged that the “student’s” parents were uncomfortable because our discussion involved decisions regarding sexual abstinence and orientation. In fact, I simply reinforced his values and decisions he made on his own. But more importantly, the “student” was not a student. The young man was a 19-year-old former student who had graduated from PLHS. As a result of this alleged incident I received a written reprimand containing many directives.

In December 2006, a student approached me to ask advice about his bisexual girlfriend. I addressed his questions for about two minutes. There were no other conversations. A janitor was present. He reported the conversation to administration. I received a written reprimand, stating that I could not discuss “… your position on premarital relationships and abstinence.” The administration attempted to control my behavior outside school. The written reprimand of Jan. 3, 2007 included the following statement: “These conversations include conversations on and off School District property as well as conversations both during and outside of your work hours.” I was then suspended for three days.

In addition, I was reprimanded for a humorous statement made to a lesbian student and an off-campus discussion with a group of students. The student was not offended. In fact, she defended me to the administration and at my attorney’s request provided a statement supporting me.

I was terminated on June 18, 2007. This, despite the fact that no student or parent has ever complained of my conduct involving any Prior Lake High School student, either on or off campus (other than the parent of the adult former student).

In November 2007 the citizens of Prior Lake and Savage elected me to the School Board. My campaign focused on fiscal responsibility.

Although my attorney, David Thompson, has advised me to move forward with a lawsuit, I have decided not to do so. I choose to forgive those who have wronged me and move on. My family and the community have been through enough.

Chris Lind
Savage

Personally I think Chris is making the right choice. He made his case, to the district and to the voters and the voters elected him. I know that some people feel that they may not have made the right choice (based on a post election smear campaign launched by the former superintendents supporters) however it IS time to move on. Chris held the power in his hands and by choosing not to follow his attorneys recommendation, he has done what needed to be done in order for the community to heal.

Good work Chris.