Siderius to remain principal at Edgerton school

By Aaron Engebretson

On March 23 the District 5 school board voted unanimously to renew Edgerton principal Ken Siderius’ contract. The meeting, held at KJHS, drew more than 500 people, many of whom were Siderius supporters.

“I’ve been in the valley now for 30 years and I’ve never seen a demonstration of this magnitude,” said former FHS principal Bill Vogt. “The great thing is it’s not concerning athletics.”

Superintendant Alan Hafer had recommended that the board not renew Siderius’ contract because Siderius was hired on an interim basis. Hafer wanted to advertise the job publicly.

The crowd came to voice support for Siderius, and voice it they did. After Siderius waived his right to a private hearing, board chair Margie Simpson opened the floor to the public. Among those speaking was Edgerton parent and FHS football coach Bob Applegate.

“Ken Siderius is not well liked in this community, he is well loved in this community,” said Applegate.

Some advised the board that keeping Siderius was not only good for the district, but would be best for the children.

“After (former Edgerton principal) Karen Morrison’s memorialMargie (Simpson ) said to me ‘If there is anything the school board can do, let me know,’” said Edgerton teacher Rick Anfenson. “ I am asking in the best interest of Edgerson to re-hire Mr. Siderius.”

The final speaker was Siderius. He presented the board with copies of his certification and contract to prove that he was certified to be an administrator. 

“There is nothing (in the contract) that says Ken Siderius is hired on an interim basis,” said Siderius. “I can’t for the life of me understand where all this interim basis came from.”

Siderius also said the board had hired in the past without public applications.

“I can’t  see where we are setting precedence,” said Siderius.

The school board discussion focused on whether the board had policies governing whether positions had to be opened to the public, and if Siderius was hired as an interim principal.

Board member Tom Briney could find nothing in school board minutes over the past two years that would prevent Siderius from being re-hired.

“I discovered we had no obligation for a one-year contract,” said Briney. “He is entitled to all rights of other principals.” 

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