Official resigns

Steve Dickinson, Brainerd Schools director of business services, handed in his resignation letter Monday to the Brainerd School Board.

• Photos

Dickinson's last day with the district will be Dec. 19. Dickinson said he accepted another school business position, but would not say where or even if the position was in the state.

Dickinson's resignation comes months after the controversy over the district learning it had an additional $1.65 million in its unreserved fund balance that later drove board member Ruth Gmeinder to resign, citing her "lack of confidence in the business manager" as a reason for her sudden departure.

Board members accepted Dickinson's resignation letter during the consent calendar early in the meeting and members made no comments about Dickinson. Later in the meeting, during Dickinson's business report, board member Bob Nystrom asked Dickinson about his resignation.

Steve Dickinson

Dickinson said he was happy with the time he served with the school district, which has been for the past eight years. Dickinson said the school district has gone through its toughest times regarding school finances and he feels confident that the district has taken the most difficult initial steps necessary to ensure a stable future.

"Your toughest decisions are in the past," he said.

In Dickinson's resignation letter he wrote, "I encourage the continued management style of open communication and conservative budgeting."

Dickinson told the school board to take its time in finding his replacement because time will give the highly qualified candidates time to apply.

Nystrom thanked Dickinson for his service and said that he did not have an easy job.

Board member Ruth Nelson said she enjoyed working with Dickinson and she will miss him. Nelson also asked Brainerd Superintendent Steve Razidlo about the process of replacing him.

Razidlo said there will be a number of steps to take to replace Dickinson. Razidlo said Dickinson already has done a lot of work in several main areas to help fill the gap. The audit report has been completed and planning for the next budget is under way.

Razidlo said the district can get financial advice from its financial consultants and the district will work with the business department to determine the next course of action. Razidlo said he was not prepared to address Dickinson's replacement at Monday's meeting.

Razidlo thanked Dickinson for his work and said he was a wonderful human being who's loyal and who has integrity. Razidlo wished Dickinson well in his next position.

Board member Lew Hudson also thanked Dickinson for his work and said that the school district was privileged to have him for eight years.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.