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North Callaway decides to keep superintendent despite DUI

News broke this weekthat North Callaway R-1 Superintendent Dr. Bryan Thomsen pled guilty last year to a DUI charge. Thomsen apologized in news reports, and the district's board of education met Tuesday to discuss how it should proceed. Thursday afternoon, the board issued this statement on its decision to keep Thomsen on board as its superintendent:

In May 2012, Superintendent Dr. Bryan Thomsen was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Thomsen informed the then Board President about the circumstances of his arrest. He pled guilty to the charges and has satisfied the conditions imposed by the Court. On Friday, August 30, 2013 the remainder of the Board was informed of the details of this matter. Dr. Thomsen has made a personal statement acknowledging his mistake; expressing his apologies for his personal failure. The Board of Education takes this matter very seriously particularly in light of the fact that Dr. Thomsen is the Chief Executive of the District and, more importantly, serves as a role model for all of our students. Dr. Thomsen has served as the District’s Superintendent for the past five years and has done an exemplary job. While Superintendent Thomsen has demonstrated a significant lack of judgment, one mistake does not define a person, nor does it erase the strong positive accomplishments of the past five years. It is the expectation of the Board that Dr. Thomsen will use this situation as a teachable opportunity for District students. Nonetheless, Dr. Thomsen’s conduct violates his obligations to himself, his family, our students and our community. As a result, the Board has voted unanimously to place a letter in his file and to notify Dr. Thomsen that his employment will be terminated if there is another occurrence. The Board is mindful of the effect of this situation on our school community. In addition to the disciplinary action, the Board has directed Dr. Thomsen to rededicate himself to providing the leadership necessary to provide our students with the highest level of education. In this effort, Superintendent Thomsen has the full support of the Board of Education.

The district also issued this statement from Thomsen:

"In May of 2012 I made a terrible error in judgment and want to apologize to everyone for my actions. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am truly sorry for any negative attention this incident has brought upon my family and the district. " Dr. Bryan Thomsen

Ryan served as the KBIA News Director from February 2011 to September 2023