New Duluth schools superintendent lacks required state license

by Dan Kraker, Minnesota Public Radio

Duluth, Minn. — The newly-hired superintendent of the Duluth public schools does not have a state license as required by Minnesota law.

School board members placed I.V. Foster on paid administrative leave Monday night while a Minneapolis law firm that represents the board investigates. Board members won't speak on details of the investigation, but the state Department of Education confirms that Foster applied for a state superintendent's license this week.

Last Thursday, Stan Mack, director of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators, informed the Duluth School Board that Foster lacked a license. Mack says it's an ethical and a legal issue.

"Districts are required to employ a licensed superintendent," he said.

Completing the license application could take two to four weeks, Mack said.

Foster, who started the job in July, could not be reached for comment.