A high school English teacher in the Rosendale-Brandon School District has resigned following a controversial social media post concerning the recently assassinated conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The district confirmed that Kaytie Storms, formerly of Laconia High School, is no longer an employee after the two parties reached a mutual separation agreement.
The agreement, which includes a severance payment, was chosen to avoid a lengthy and costly termination process, according to a statement from the superintendent. A long-term substitute teacher has already been assigned to manage Storms' former classes to ensure continuity for students.
Key Takeaways
- Laconia High School English teacher Kaytie Storms has resigned from her position.
- The resignation follows a social media post she made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk after his assassination.
- The Rosendale-Brandon School District and Storms entered into a mutual separation agreement that includes a severance package.
- District officials stated the agreement was a more fiscally responsible and less disruptive option than formal termination proceedings.
The Incident and Initial District Response
The controversy began after screenshots of a Facebook post attributed to Kaytie Storms were widely circulated online. The post reportedly shared an image that described the late conservative figure Charlie Kirk with terms such as "racist" and "sexist."
The post generated significant public backlash, particularly given its timing shortly after Kirk's assassination during a speaking event at a college campus in Utah earlier in the month. According to the school district, officials were first made aware of the post on September 11.
In response to the growing community concern, the district took immediate action. The administration placed an employee, later identified as Storms, on administrative leave while it investigated the matter.
Details of the Separation Agreement
On Wednesday, September 25, the Superintendent of the Rosendale-Brandon School District sent a message to staff and student families confirming Storms' immediate resignation. A follow-up communication provided more details about the nature of her departure, explaining it was a mutual separation agreement.
Legal Framework of the Agreement
The district explained that the agreement is not yet final. Under Wisconsin law, Ms. Storms has a seven-day period during which she can revoke the agreement. Until this period expires, the specific terms, including the severance amount, cannot be publicly disclosed.
Once the revocation period ends, the agreement will become a public record. Its release will be subject to Wisconsin's Open Records laws. This process includes a notification period for Storms, should she choose to challenge the release of the document.
"After much consideration, the District determined that the best way forward for the students, staff, and the administration, as well as the community at large, was to enter into a mutual separation agreement with Ms. Storms, which includes a severance payment."
District's Rationale for the Agreement
The superintendent's message outlined several key factors that influenced the decision to offer a separation agreement instead of pursuing termination. The primary reasons cited were financial and practical, aimed at minimizing further disruption to the school community.
Avoiding a Protracted Process
District officials explained that formal termination proceedings could have been a lengthy and complex process. According to the statement, such proceedings "likely would have continued for weeks or months."
During this entire period, Ms. Storms would have remained on paid administrative leave, continuing to draw a salary from the district. This would have represented an ongoing cost to taxpayers while the case proceeded.
Potential Costs of Termination
The district highlighted that pursuing termination would have incurred "potentially significant legal and administrative fees." By opting for a separation agreement, the administration aimed to avoid these variable and potentially high costs in favor of a fixed, one-time payment.
Minimizing Community Disruption
Beyond the financial considerations, the district expressed a desire to move forward. The administration noted that a prolonged hearing process would have kept a continued focus on a divisive issue that had "already caused a lot of disruption to our school and community."
The statement emphasized the goal of allowing students and parents to "move forward in a positive and constructive fashion" and to refocus the district's energy on its educational mission.
The district concluded that when weighing all factors, the agreement was determined to be in the best interest of the community from both a financial and practical standpoint.
Ensuring Educational Continuity
The school district has taken steps to ensure that the transition does not negatively impact students, especially those in advanced courses.
A long-term substitute teacher is already in place for the English classes previously taught by Storms. The district assured families that this substitute is working closely with the other two English teachers at Laconia High School to maintain curriculum standards.
This collaboration ensures that instruction, assessments, and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework will continue without interruption for the remainder of the school year. The district plans to post the open teaching position soon and hopes to hire a fully certified English teacher as quickly as possible.
