Investigation, unspecified allegations against new Duluth schools superintendant

The Duluth School Board voted late Monday to place school superintendent I.V. Foster on paid administrative leave. A Minneapolis law firm that represents the Board will investigate unspecified allegations made against Foster.

The board has not released any details, but no criminal charges have been filed, said school board member Tom Kasper. And he says he doesn't regret hiring Foster, who began work in July.

"I've enjoyed my time with Dr. Foster, and enjoyed the learning process." Kasper said. "He's a very good human being, and I believe very strongly in the message that he's brought to Duluth."

Foster has been in the job about six months. He previously was superintendent of the Prairie Hills school district 20 miles south of Chicago. He took over in Duluth near the end of implementing a controversial plan to close and consolidate several neighborhood schools.

Assistant superintendent Bill Gronseth will fill in during the interim until the investigation is completed.

The investigation by the law firm representing the board, Ratwik, Roszak and Maloney, should be completed by the third week of January, Kasper said.

"I want people to know that the district is fine, the kids' safety has always been our paramount importance and concern, and their education, so that isn't in question," Kasper said.