Rochester Public Schools has found itself at the center of a controversy after spending over $250,000 on a professional development program run by the wife of the superintendent, raising significant questions regarding potential conflicts of interest. Records obtained by 5 INVESTIGATES reveal that since 2022, the district has paid for more than 50 employees to participate in the Minnesota Principals Academy, a program hosted at the University of Minnesota and led by Dr. Katie Pekel. Dr. Kent Pekel has been the superintendent of Rochester since 2021.
Despite initially declining a request for an interview, Dr. Kent Pekel addressed the issue following a school board meeting. He emphasized that neither he nor his wife derives any direct financial benefit from the participation of Rochester principals in the program. “She earns a salary that has nothing to do with the number of participants in the program or from Rochester,” he stated, insisting on the transparency of his wife’s role and denying any claims of conflict.
However, two ethics experts who spoke with 5 INVESTIGATES contradicted Pekel’s assertions. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, asserted that such public spending clearly presents a conflict of interest. “One cannot, in a government position, make decisions about a contract with your spouse’s employer,” Painter noted, labeling it a fundamental conflict. Likewise, David Schultz, a law professor at Hamline University and the University of St. Thomas, remarked, “Using his position that encourages people to then use public dollars to go help pay for his wife’s salary, of which he benefits from, that’s the conflict of interest.”
In response to the critical feedback, Dr. Pekel reiterated that neither he nor his wife benefits financially from the program, pointing out that the enrollment of Rochester principals does not impact her salary. He stated, “There is no throughline,” maintaining that any suggestions of impropriety are unfounded.
The Minnesota Principals Academy, which has been running for nearly two decades, has attracted 786 enrollments from at least 163 school districts statewide, according to the University of Minnesota. Program spokesperson Alex Evanson noted that participant feedback has been predominantly positive, highlighting their enhanced ability to implement effective practices in their schools.
School Board Chair Cathy Nathan issued a statement indicating that the board was made aware of Dr. Pekel’s intentions to have Rochester principals participate in the academy in 2022. After discussions, Nathan and the vice chair concluded there was no conflict of interest since neither Dr. Pekel nor Dr. Katie Pekel would financially benefit from the arrangement. Despite this, Nathan declined further comments and walked away from 5 INVESTIGATES when approached during a board meeting.
Both ethics experts acknowledged that while participation in the academy remains viable, Dr. Pekel should have recused himself from related discussions and decisions to maintain integrity in the decision-making process. “It doesn’t matter how good the program is,” Schultz commented. “The first thing that should occur is that he should not be in the game of making this kind of referral.”
This situation continues to raise eyebrows within the community, reflecting broader concerns about ethics and governance in public education. For more insights into this developing story, community members can stay tuned to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
