Breckenridge School Board unanimously votes to remove principal

BRECKENRIDGE, Minn. — The Breckenridge School Board has finalized its decision to let go of one of the district's two principals.

At a special meeting the morning of Friday, April 28, the board unanimously voted to place Breckenridge Middle and High School Principal Craig Peterson on an unrequested leave of absence after this school year. His last day as principal will be June 30.

The meeting was packed, with many parents and community members speaking in support of Peterson.

School Board Chair Brett Johnson emphasized during the meeting that this was purely a financial decision and had nothing to do with Peterson's work.

Dessica Komestakes, business manager for Breckenridge Public Schools, revealed at the meeting that the district is facing a more than $97,000 budget deficit this year, and if changes aren't made, the district's savings account could be exhausted in a matter of years.

The current principal for Breckenridge Elementary will now eventually be in charge of grades K-12.