Emails, police reports point to why board member abruptly resigned

Students are learning, teachers are teaching, and activities are buzzing along at Kasson-Mantorville Schools like any other normal school year. However, what’s going on behind the scenes with the K-M administration seems to be anything but normal.

An investigation by the Dodge County Independent points to significant turmoil involving top administrators, including a school board member who abruptly resigned last month after her husband, a long-time teacher, also resigned. Amy Olson, a two-term member of the board, called it quits in October, just weeks before voters returned her to office for another four-year term.

Though Olson said a “family crisis” prompted her decision, emails between her and other board members leading up to the resignation paint a more complicated picture of what transpired. In fact, she was apparently planning to defend her alleged conduct in a closed board meeting scheduled for just a few days after she resigned.

Amy Olson denied the allegations against her had anything to do with her resignation.

Except for Amy Olson, no one in K-M administration has offered any comment to questions raised during the DCI investigation, which is ongoing. Data requests for emails from administrators and police reports are helping piece together just exactly what has been going on within the district over the past few months.

One thing seems obvious: Despite allegations, resignations and ongoing administrative turmoil, Olson intends to rejoin the board in January.

Police investigations

Troubles began for the Olson family back in January, when a student leveled allegations against Amy Olson’s husband, Joel, who was a middle school teacher at K-M until he resigned in early October. Joel Olson taught in the district for  two decades, spending much of his tenure at the elementary school.

Following a police investigation, no charges were filed, and the Department of Education determined the alleged conduct wouldn’t warrant a review, according to a Kasson Police report obtained by the DCI through a standard data request.

“MN Dept of Education (MDE) contacted me on January 29th to inform me they will not be opening a case,” School Resource Officer Jesse Kasel wrote in an incident report. “The reported incident does not meet MDE requirements for maltreatment.”

According to the report, Joel Olson, on the advice of his legal counsel, declined to speak to the police.

“I reached out to Joel Olson for an interview,” Kasel wrote. “Joel was advised by his attorney not to give a statement.”

Kasel also consulted the Dodge County Attorney’s Office about the incident, the document continues.

“I was informed this case will not meet criminal sexual conduct,” Kasel wrote. “I was requested to follow up to determine if harassment charges would apply.”

The DCI sent multiple emails to Dodge County Assistant Attorney Kailee Thompson, which went unanswered.

Olson would be the subject of two other police investigations throughout the 2023-2024 school year, with no charges ever being filed against him.

At one point, according to a police report, Olson expressed his concerns about the allegations, with his union representation present.

“Joel expressed concerns that even though actively trying to avoid contact with students after the prior reports, they are still making accusations,” Kasel wrote in an April 24 police report. “Joel is worried (he) may have to leave his job to avoid any more of the false accusations.”

On Sept. 23, just weeks into the new school year, another allegation was brought forward against the longtime teacher, according to a Kasson police report.

Police also closed that case, explaining in the report that no charges would be filed, and no further law enforcement action would be needed. It also noted the matter would be turned over to the school.

Multiple attempts to reach Joel Olson for this story were unsuccessful.

Through a standard data request, DCI obtained an email Superintendent Ted Ihns sent to the entire K-M School Board on Sept. 23,, explaining the situation. Some information was redacted from the copy DCI received.

“District administrators have been made aware of a report filed by a female student,” the email said. “A required maltreatment report will be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and a (redacted) investigation will be conducted.”

The email goes on to state, “We will be working alongside local law enforcement on this investigation as well. The teacher in question has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Our legal counsel, Margaret Skelton, is actively involved and will continue to assist with the investigation and any potential disciplinary actions.”

When DCI contacted MDE to inquire about any maltreatment allegations, a spokesperson declined to comment.

“Pursuant to Minn. Stat 260E, the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act, all maltreatment related data is classified as confidential and/or private,” the spokesperson wrote in an email. “We cannot confirm or deny the receipt of any report, investigation or determination of alleged maltreatment.”

Resignation

On Oct. 4, Ihns sent out yet another communication to the school board, this time outlining the next steps, since the investigation was over.

“I wanted to provide you with an update regarding the investigation involving the staff member that was previously shared,” Ihns wrote in the email. “The investigation has been completed, and there has been dialogue between the individual and their representative regarding the potential outcome.”

He added: “The individual has until the end of the day on (Oct. 7) to inform the district of their decision. This option has been outlined based on the recommendation from the district’s legal counsel.”

School Board Chair Kent Harfmann and Ihns did not respond to an email asking if it is the normal practice of the district and administration to notify the school board of personnel decisions before votes are taken or resignations are accepted.

It is unclear if a separate investigation by the school district was conducted. An email sent to Harfmann and Ihns asking for that information went unreturned.

Joel Olson would resign from his longtime teaching position, effective Oct.8.

“This message is to inform you that Mr. Olson has resigned from his teaching position at KMMS to pursue employment opportunities elsewhere,” Middle School Principal Josh Larsen wrote in an email to staff.

A Google search revealed Olson was on the November agenda of the Rochester School Board meeting, to be hired as a teacher in January.

DCI contacted Rochester Public Schools to ask about the hiring. A few days later, a spokesperson said Olson was no longer being considered for the position. An updated school board agenda showed Olson’s name was removed from the agenda.

Asked for comment, the spokesperson said “We cannot comment on this as it is a personnel matter.”

When asked about the process that leads to a potential hire being put on the agenda, the spokesperson wrote, “We do a background check before we recommend hiring to the School Board.

“If other questions emerge that require investigation, we may defer a recommendation to the school board while we investigate. All offers of employment are conditional pending Board approval,” the spokesperson said.

Even with the Olsons’ respective resignations, there was more to the story, as the DCI has learned through emails and a police report involving Amy Olson.

Homecoming incident

On Oct. 4, the day of the Kasson-Mantorville Homecoming parade, and hours before Ihns sent an email to the entire school board, an incident allegedly occurred between Amy Olson and a staffer.

According to the police report, the “disturbance was related to an incident report on September 23, 2024.”

“Amy’s husband is a teacher at the K-M Middle School and was accused of inappropriate conduct by a student,” Kasel wrote in the police report.

According to Kasel, a K-M staff member “was a witness in the previous investigation and made statements to school administrators.”

During the parade, Olson allegedly approached a truck the staffer was driving and began to yell, “accusing her of lying about her (Olson’s) husband.”

Olson, when asked about the alleged incident, originally declined to comment.

“There was no incident at the parade therefore nothing to comment on,” Olson wrote in an email.

In a phone interview, Olson denied the accusations against her, apparently made by the staff member.

“I was unaware that there even (were) those allegations and I categorically deny any incidents that alleged to have occurred at that homecoming parade, and it really saddens me that some individuals are feeling the need to advance their own agendas through false accusations like this,” Olson said.

An email sent to the staff member went unreturned. The DCI has withheld the names of any alleged victims in this story.

Other Allegations

The alleged homecoming parade incident wasn’t the only concern from Oct. 4, according to emails obtained by the DCI.

On Monday, Oct. 7, Harfmann asked to meet with Amy Olson and School Board Clerk Angie Richards.

Olson originally agreed to a meeting, but then decided against it.

“After speaking with Terry Morrow, it was recommended that I not meet with you and Angie, especially without knowing specifics,” Olson wrote in an email to Harfmann obtained by the DCI. “I am also uncomfortable meeting with the two of you given our history. I followed the guidance of MSBA and ran all my communications by another board member prior to any discussions. There was a discussion that escalated on Friday afternoon, however, according to MSBA, I was not in violation and I have taken the necessary action to remedy the situation.”

Morrow is listed as general counsel for the Minnesota School Board Association.

Asked during a phone interview why she refused to meet with Richards and Harfmann, Olson said “There is a little bit of history there, and I was not comfortable speaking with both of them together.”

Olson refused to comment on the history. An email sent to Harfmann and Richards went unanswered.

Harfmann did respond to Olson’s email about not wanting to meet with him and Richards, outlining a list of allegations against Olson.

The morning of Oct. 4, she allegedly contacted the middle school during the investigation of an unidentified person. What she said during the contact was redacted from the emails received through the data request.

In an email response to Harfmann, hours before resigning her position, Olson said, “Yes, I did call the school to see if anyone that was involved was in the office as I was heading to the office myself, and I did not want to be put into a situation where I felt unsafe or uncomfortable.”

“Since last year’s incident, I have been targeted at my place of work as well as at establishments around the community by the family, and I felt it was in my best interest to not put myself in a situation where my trauma response would be triggered,” Olson wrote.

When asked by the DCI about the harassment, Olson declined to give details.

“As a victim of some harassment I am unable to speak on that,” Olson said.

Asked if she filed a police report, Olson said, “As a victim of harassment, I am not gonna comment on that.”

Harfmann also outlined what allegedly happened at the homecoming parade.

He claimed Olson confronted someone at the parade: “You angrily and erratically yelled ‘Thanks for all you have done for me and my family’ in a manner that was loud enough for students in the vehicle to hear. You then walked into the street to engage with (redacted). The (redacted) reported that your conduct caused (redacted) emotional distress.”

In response, Olson wrote to Harfmann, “After putting the pieces together I’m assuming this was (redacted). I was actually unaware (redacted) involved in the situation was (redacted) until I received email communication from the Middle School on Monday, October 7 regarding the (redacted). I do recall (redacted) waving at me during the parade in which I waved back and said ‘thank you for all you do,’ as (redacted) is also my (redacted). (Redacted) had (redacted) last game the night before and I was unable to attend due to coaching. (Redacted) has thoroughly enjoyed (redacted) time this year with (redacted) (having joined after the season started). Had I known that (redacted) was involved in the incident, I would not have acknowledged (redacted) at all. I certainly was not walking into the street.”

Then later in the day, shortly after Ihns emailed the board, a third incident allegedly occurred, according to Harfmann’s email.

Harfmann said following the homecoming game, Olson allegedly confronted an unidentified person in an office “without prior notice.”

“The conversation, which lasted several minutes, was reportedly hostile and accusatorial in nature, wherein you claimed that the investigation (redacted) was biased. This interaction was concerning enough for two staff to check on (redacted) well-being afterward,” Harfmann wrote.

Olson referred the DCI to the emails, when asked about the interaction.

“I did speak with (redacted) on that Friday. I asked (redacted) for permission to speak for a few minutes and (redacted) invited me in. I was in a bit of an emotional state and I did tell (redacted) I was trying really hard to keep my lanes separate. He immediately got defensive against a concern I had as a parent with (redacted),” she wrote in her response to Harfmann.

“I told (redacted) that I was in no way implying that (redacted) needed to (redacted) and that I was trying to have a conversation with (redacted). (Redacted) continued to badger me about what (redacted) could have done differently and yes, against my better judgment I did bring up some concerns regarding Title IX. (redacted) asked several times, and I declined, but then I realized that it was a closed conversation and if (redacted) wanted to know, I’d put it out there,” Olson’s email response continues.

“(Redacted) then asked me if I had any idea how awful (redacted) week was — which to me was considerably insensitive as my family’s entire life has been turned upside down, which I stated and (redacted) responded with ‘how did we get here’ implying (redacted) was to blame for all this,” Olson wrote. “That immediately sent up red flags as this was how (redacted) was treating me a concerned parent, how is (redacted). I assured (redacted) that I still feel (redacted) I was just going to be very cautious going forward. (Redacted) stated we needed to agree to disagree, which I agreed to.”

“I did swear; I used the f-word in agreeing that yes it was ‘my f-ing prerogative’ as (redacted) stated to me. At no time did (redacted) ask me to leave and at no time did (redacted) say (redacted) felt unsafe. I did not raise my voice any louder than (redacted) raised (redacted) voice, however, I can see how swearing would feel threatening,” she wrote. “I attempted several times to connect with (redacted) to apologize and to figure out a way to move forward with a positive relationship, to which I was denied.”

She added: “I am deeply disappointed that there was no direct conversation had with me in any of this nor any guidance from the board chair. Moving forward, I hope that the board can be free of distractions and work towards a smooth transition in January.”

In her resignation letter, which she sent directly to the DCI along with Harfmann and Ihns, Olson also referred to distractions.

“It has become clear that my situation is distracting the board during a critical time when focus is essential. I want nothing but the best for our board as we prepare to welcome a new group in January,” Olson wrote. “It’s important that you can dedicate your efforts to this transition and continue supporting our district in the way it truly deserves.”

Ihns has not responded to multiple emails or calls for this story asking, among other things, whether he was the staff member Olson confronted in the office.

An email exchange between Olson and Ihns took place after that incident.

“I apologize for using this email to connect with you but I’m not sure you received my email from my personal gmail account,” Olson wrote. “I’m wondering if you have time in the near future to discuss our impromptu meeting last Friday. I’m not feeling very good about how I handled myself and want to ensure that we can move forward with a positive working relationship.”

Ihns responded by saying, “Given the interaction from last week, I believe it is best to wait a while before scheduling a meeting.”

When asked about how she thinks she will be able to serve on the school board despite the interaction with Ihns, Olson said it wouldn’t be a problem.

“I pride myself on my ability to compartmentalize and to stay in my lane, and when I cross out of that lane I immediately acknowledge that and I took steps to rectify that,” Olson said, noting she attempted to have a conversation with Ihns.

According to Olson, the two have yet to have the conversation, but says she is confident the two will have a professional relationship when she is back on the board.

“My family and I are doing what we need to do to move on and to heal and we will continue to do that and when I am back in my role as a school board member I will be very professional in the role as a school board member as I have done for the last seven plus years,” Olson said.

Amy Olson
resigns

Ahead of the Oct. 21 meeting, in which Harfmann said Olson would have the chance to plead her case to the entire board, she instead resigned her post from the K-M School Board, despite being on the ballot in November.

“Due to a recent family crisis, I find it necessary to prioritize my family during this challenging time and step back from my position on the board. This decision was not made lightly, as I have greatly valued the opportunity to serve on the school board and contribute to our community,” Olson wrote in her letter of resignation.

Olson, before resigning, said she intended to defend herself during a closed session meeting.

“I would definitely like to speak to those in a closed session as I can assure you, much of what I am being accused of is inaccurate,” Olson wrote in an email to Harfmann. “I look forward to the closed session discussion.”

When asked if she was concerned that her family crisis could carry over to her next term on the school board, Olson said she wasn’t.

“I want to assure everyone that I am fully committed to my role should the community see fit, and I am not concerned about any recent events impacting my ability to serve,” Olson wrote. “My family is my priority right now, and I need to be there for them. However, I am confident that with the new board in place, I will be able to effectively fulfill my duties as a board member and navigate any challenges that may arise should the community see that I am right for the position.”