Embattled school official on leave

CALGARY A southern Alberta school district announced Wednesday that its superintendent, who has been at the centre of an ongoing controversy, is taking a “temporary leave.”

Kevin Gietz is going on leave for undisclosed reasons and will be replaced by former superintendent Garry Andrews until July 4, or until Gietz returns.

The Palliser Regional Schools board of trustees also announced Wednesday the hiring of two independent consultants to review district operations in the wake of what the board described as “numerous online, unverifiable allegations.”

The school district made headlines earlier this year when the Calgary Herald reported on a lawsuit filed by the division’s former treasurer. She claims she was bullied by Gietz during four years of employment. An online public petition garnered more than 450 names demanding an investigation.

Board chair Colleen Deitz would not say whether the external review and Gietz’s leave are connected. But she was adamant that Gietz has not been suspended.

“It’s a trying time for everyone., she said of the outcry on social media.

“It’s very sad how rumour and gossip can hurt people. Social media can be very cruel.”

Gietz couldn’t be reached for comment and Andrews declined to speak on the matter.

In her lawsuit against the school district, Michelle Leanne Gibb alleges Gietz created an oppressive atmosphere and engaged in “abusive language and demeanour, physical and verbal intimidation, threatening behaviour as well as inappropriate comments and unwelcome physical contact of various female employees.”

In its statement of defence, Palliser has specifically denied the allegations about Gietz and stated they are “without merit and false.”

The review of operations will look at organizational climate, culture and leadership, governance practices, accountability to stakeholders and communication practices.