Rochester Public Schools has committed over $250,000 to a professional development program linked to the superintendent’s wife. This investment has raised questions regarding potential conflicts of interest within the district. Since 2022, the school district has funded over 50 employees to participate in the Minnesota Principals Academy, a program led by Dr. Katie Pekel at the University of Minnesota.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Dr. Kent Pekel has served as the superintendent of Rochester Schools since 2021. Following inquiries about the funding, he expressed his belief that his family does not gain any financial advantage from the program. “Our family gets no direct benefit at all,” Pekel stated.
Despite his assurances, experts warn of inherent conflicts in such situations. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, argued that public officials should avoid decisions that may affect family interests. His sentiments were echoed by David Schultz, a law professor at Hamline University and St. Thomas. Both experts emphasized the need for transparency and recusal from related discussions.
Insights from the Minnesota Principals Academy
The Minnesota Principals Academy has been operational for nearly two decades, with 786 participants from 163 districts statewide. Feedback from participants indicates a positive reception, with many claiming they feel better equipped to apply evidence-based practices in their schools.
School Board’s Position
School Board Chair Cathy Nathan emphasized that the board considers the situation as appropriate. In an email, she noted that Dr. Pekel informed the board about the program and his wife’s role in it back in 2022. The board concluded there was no conflict since neither the superintendent nor his wife would receive financial benefit from the participation of Rochester principals.
However, ethics experts maintain that Dr. Pekel should have distanced himself from the decision-making process while the schools engaged in this program. “As good as the program might be, the first step should be recusal,” Schultz asserted.
Participation Rates
- Rochester Schools has one of the highest participation rates in the program.
- Only two other districts have sent more principals to the Minnesota Principals Academy than Rochester.
Moving forward, it remains essential for school districts to navigate the complexities of ethical governance. Rochester Public Schools continues to emphasize the importance of leadership development while addressing the concerns raised by experts in ethics.
