Board President Daniel Tyler presented two other options recommended by the board’s attorney, but both parties agreed to the buyout after a brief discussion. The meeting lasted 7 minutes.

The decision stemmed from a meeting last week when the board reviewed allegations and concerns raised by former High School Principal Tina Webb in an exit interview. According to the report provided by the district after an information request, Webb alleged Gerding created a hostile work environment and gave preferential treatment to his wife, Sheila Gerding, who is the school’s athletic director and family and consumer sciences teacher. David Gerding submitted a written response to questions from the board on July 21 and largely denied the allegations according to a copy released by the district.

Board President Daniel Tyler opened the special meeting by saying the board’s attorney had reviewed Webb’s exit interview and Gerding’s responses and provided three options for the board.

The first option was for Gerding to undergo a performance improvement plan in light of the hostile workplace and nepotism allegations, to be followed by a formal review in November to determine if changes had been made. Tyler said the second option recommended by the attorney was a dismissal for cause. However, Tyler said the attorney indicated that option was unlikely to succeed. The third option introduced by Tyler was for a buyout of Gerding’s contract.

Surrey Public School Board President Daniel Tyler reviews the options recommended by the board’s attorney during a special meeting July 24.

“It would have to be a mutual agreement between the board and Mr. Gerding. That offers the most immediate effect,” Tyler said.

Gerding responded to the proposal, saying he took his contract seriously and every decision he made was in the interest of the school, its students, teachers and staff.

“However, I believe if the board feels buying out my contract would be in the best interest of the school, I would consider it,” Gerding said.

The board then discussed the proposed options, with board member Amber Thiesen saying she preferred a buyout due to a history of similar complaints and issues with a hostile work environment around Gerding.

“I feel like there’s been plenty of opportunity to fix the problem up until now,” Thiesen said.

Tyler moved to proceed with the buyout and begin the process of looking for a new superintendent. The four board members voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Tyler disclosed to The Minot Daily News that the fifth board member and Vice President Ron Aberle had submitted his resignation. According to a letter Aberle sent to Tyler on July 22, Aberle said he had made the decision to resign from the board after 15 years as the situation was affecting his family and job.

“I am held to the highest standards at my employment as my job requires me to be honest with the utmost character. But it’s time for me to resign from my position on the Surrey School Board. When the staff and community question my partiality and character, I can no longer be an effective board member,” Aberle wrote.

Tyler clarified with Gerding that he would remain on as superintendent to ensure administrative functions were performed until the search for a replacement was completed.

“I do appreciate your service to our school. You’ve been fantastic from my perspective. I appreciate your years of dedication,” Tyler said.

Tyler told The Minot Daily News that Gerding was on an annual contract, but Tyler was unable to give an exact figure for his compensation. According to data from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, Gerding was paid $133,793 in the 2023-2024 school year.

Tyler said there wasn’t a timetable for the search for a replacement at this time.