Ankeny School Board Continuing Legal Action Against Former Superintendent

In a split vote Monday night, the Ankeny school board decided to continue legal proceedings against former Ankeny Schools Superintendent Matthew Wendt.

The 4-2 vote came following a closed session Monday night in which members were given information from Ahlers and Cooney, to see if the district could legally do anything to stop Wendt from receiving a $175,000 transition allowance following his resignation from the district.

The motion was to “authorize counsel to proceed as instructed in closed session.” Board members Stephanie Jorgensen and Mike Rooney cast the dissenting votes. Board member Brad Huss was not present during that portion of the meeting.

Board president George Tracy said he was unable to discuss any further details regarding what was talked about during the closed session, as well as the specifics pertaining to the next legal steps the district might be taking.

Tracy also said he's uncertain as to how much it will cost the district for Ahler and Cooney's services.

The board will likely discuss the next steps at its next meeting on Aug. 6.

At its July 2 meeting, the board instructed the law firm to see if the district could legally do anything to stop former Wendt from receiving a $175,000 transition allowance.

Wendt's last day with the district was June 30.

At a special meeting May 28, . Prior to the vote, the board offered Wendt a three-year contract including a 3.25 percent salary should he stay with the district.

In a 4-3 vote also made during the special meeting, the board amended Wendt's current contract. A $176,000 transition allowance, equal to one year's pay without benefits, replaced a four-year payout with two years of benefits if Wendt elected to resign within a month.

Wendt chose to resign and take the transition allowance.

One day later, in Oswego, Ill. The District 308 school board offered him a three-year contract with a $225,000 annual salary.

Tracy, , went on record with local news outlets, asking Wendt to give the money back. However, Wendt responded by saying .