By Jolene Farley
Assault charges will not be filed against Hills-Beaver Creek Superintendent Tom Knoll, according to County Prosecuting Attorney Terry Vajgrt.
Vajgrt's office received law enforcement reports concerning an April 26 alleged assault on 19-year-old Derek Ehde at Hills-Beaver Creek High School.
Normally, Hills City Attorney Doug Eisma would be responsible for prosecuting a misdemeanor within the city limits. But Eisma stated a conflict of interest prevented him from reviewing the case so it was passed on to Vajgrt. Eisma was not available for comment.
After reviewing statements from six students and two teachers Vajgrt determined there was not sufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing to prosecute.
The Minnesota assault statute states that it must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt the perpetrator intended to cause harm or fear of harm.
"The decision I make is very narrow," said Vajgrt. "I don't look at whether Mr. Knoll behaved appropriately. I look at whether or not I think there is evidence he intended to cause injury to the student."
Derek's parents, Rick and Lori Scholten, were notified of this development by letter, according to Lori. She said she believes the School Board did not address the issue because they were afraid of Knoll and knew he would be leaving the district.
"They are supposed to represent us, the parents of children in the school district, and they didn't do this," said Lori.
The Scholtens have retained an attorney and intend to pursue the matter further.
"They were hoping we would drop everything, but that is not going to be the case," Lori said.