Linn R-2 board members last Monday voted unanimously — 5-0 — to terminate the contract of long-time principal Lorie Winslow. The action comes on the heels of a May 14 closed-session meeting, which drew a crowd of more than 80 patrons in defense of Winslow.

While the board issued no comments regarding the situation, the vote, as released under the Sunshine Law by the board, shows that member Tye DeCramer recused himself from the vote due to a conflict of interest. Remaining board members — President Sam Niederhelm, Secretary Dennis Gravedoni, and members Naomi Klouzek, Mark Meyer and Lori Greer — voted to end the one-year contract with Winslow, who had moved from elementary principal to the newly-created position of Director of Student Services. Greer voted in favor of Winslow’s reinstatement back in March, along with former board member Neil Loethen, who resigned March 27.

“I am sad regarding the decision of the Osage County R-2 School Board to terminate my contract,” said Winslow, who served for two years as junior high and high school principal and the last five as the elementary principal. “I do not agree with their decision. I will be appealing the decision to the next level. I appreciate the support I have received from our community. I am sad to not be able to work with the students, staff and families at Linn R-2.”

According to sources close to the case, Winslow was terminated for speaking with a fellow administrator and school board member about a family member of a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19, her submission of all of the completed teacher evaluations the day of the school board meeting instead of the day prior to the meeting, and failure to have a teacher’s summative signed in person, rather than virtually, when it was submitted.

“As everyone knows, there are always two sides to any issue,” said Superintendent Dena Smith. “Unfortunately, neither the district nor I can share our side of this issue so everything that has been shared has been, and will continue to be, very one-sided. I would just like to reiterate that I am very happy to meet with anyone who would like to meet with me to discuss any questions or concerns.  So far I have not had anyone take me up on that offer, but I want to put it out there again. Please contact me to set up a time to meet so we can address your questions.  I will gladly share any district business with you I am legally allowed to share.”

Her contact information is smithd@linn.k12.mo.us and the phone number is 573-897-4200.