Seven school employees targeted

Brainerd School District Superintendent Jerry Walseth said Monday that there were as many as seven school district personnel who were harassed during the recent summer vacation by two suspended Brainerd High School students and one other participant presently not a student.

Animal roadkill had apparently been placed on the lawns of the school staff members by the two students and one other person. In at least one instance a harassing letter was later sent to a Brainerd teacher after the animal roadkill was left on the teacher's lawn, it was reported to the Brainerd Police Department.

Last week the two BHS students each received 10 days suspension for their involvement in the situation.

Walseth said Monday he would not confirm or deny whether these two students are involved in extracurricular activities at the high school, like a sport, citing data privacy issues. However, he told board members Monday that there are many rumors circulating in the community and high school about the case. One rumor, he said, was that if the two students were involved in an extracurricular activity they would not be allowed to participate for two seasons.

Walseth said if one or both of the suspended students are involved with a school activity -- and he declined to say if they are -- they won't be allowed to participant for a portion of one season.

JODIE TWEED can be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.