Two top administrators in the Osseo Area School District have been placed on leave.
Assistant Superintendent Kelli Parpart and Osseo Senior High Principal Sara Vernig are both under investigation, though officials said the cases are unrelated and “not criminal in nature,” according to a report by CCX Media.
Parpart, who has served as assistant superintendent for 11 years, was previously the principal at Park Center High School and Brooklyn Junior High School.
Vernig, the first female principal in Osseo Senior High’s history, was a former principal at Maple Grove Senior High.
Both administrators were placed on leave June 9. The district declined to provide further details about the investigations, citing data privacy laws, according to CCX Media.
Alpha News reached out to Osseo Area Schools for comment but did not receive a response.
District faced prior controversy over LGBTQ lesson
This isn’t the first time the district has made headlines in recent months.
Earlier this spring, Alpha News reported on parent pushback to a district-wide “LGBTQIA+ History and Culture lesson” for high school students. Hundreds of students opted out of the session, which focuses on LGBTQIA+ “histories and identities,” pronouns, and creating a “brave space” in schools.
The lesson stems from a 2022 school board resolution directing staff to recognize Pride Month, allow “student choice in restrooms and locker rooms,” and fly the Progress Pride flag at all district buildings each June.
At a recent Osseo school board meeting, residents voiced sharply divided opinions about the lesson. Supporters urged the board to “ensure dignity, safety, and inclusion” for LGBTQIA+ students, while critics argued the curriculum “goes well beyond what is required under Minnesota law” and promotes “a specific belief system.”
The district has defended the lesson, saying it complies with state law and reflects the board’s commitment to equity.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
