By Norma Dittman During the open forum portion of the Fulda School Board meeting Monday, December 8, a letter of support from the Fulda Education Association for Superintendent Mike Pagel was read into record by FEA President Susan Lee.
The letter of support addresses staff concerns regarding the sudden 4-3 decision by the school board Nov 10 to not renew the 40 percent contract of Pagel for Superintendent.
The action taken in November was a last-minute addition to the agenda by Board Chair Doug Clarke. During the subsequent discussion, a motion was made by Paul Duerr and seconded by Marci Ash to approve a Notice of Non-Renewal to Pagel.
The Notice, signed by Clarke, states several reasons for the board action, including that the school board would like to move in a new direction. It states Pagel’s leadership style and administrative philosophy differ from those desired by the board. The Notice also alleges that Pagel failed to maintain professionalism, which led to an investigation.
The investigation in question was done by Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, and concludes that there was insufficient evidence to an online allegation that Pagel said, “That’s what happens when you don’t keep your mouth shut” regarding the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The investigation report states the Facebook post is likely inaccurate, and that Pagel’s testimony was consistent, unlike the testimony of the other witnesses.
The letter read Monday by Lee states concerns by the FEA over the sudden and undebated non-renewal of Pagel’s contract.
“The school is moving in a positive direction: the referendum passed, the overall financial picture is well managed, overall MCA scores are improving and we are able to maintain current staffing,” the letter states.
The letter also explains that Pagel is the acknowledged single person who best understands all aspects of the new school, and that removing him at this point in the process will have a negative impact on something the community voted for.
“A poll of teachers revealed unanimous support for retaining Mr. Pagel as superintendent,” it states, urging the board to reverse the 4-3 decision.
The meeting continued with reports from Susan Lee, Fulda Community Education Director; Gregg Erdmann, Activities Director; Brett Perish, Fulda Elementary School Principal; and Mike Pagel, Superintendent and High School Principal.
Recognition of district groups and supporters included the Fulda American Legion Auxiliary 318 for providing cupcakes in the teachers’ lounges.
A letter from Superintendent Pagel addressed E-Learning schedules A & B in case school is cancelled due to inclement weather during the 2025-2026 school year. During E-Learning Days, Google Classroom is used. It involves real-time virtual classes. The schedules allow time for students to contact their teachers until 3:05 pm via email, through Google Classroom, or by calling the school office.
The date of Monday, January 12th, 2026, 6 p.m., has been set for the Fulda School Board Organizational Meeting.
The District 505 Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Report and the Achievement and Integration Goals 2023-2026 were reviewed and approved. Also approved was the Final 2025 Payable 2026 Levy Limitation and Certification Report.
A Special School Board meeting has been called for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5 p.m., to further discuss the removal of Superintendent Pagel from that position at the end of his contract on June 30, 2026.
On Monday, January 6th, 2026, the School Board will hold their Organizational Meeting at 6 p.m., followed by the regular school board meeting.
