Monroe school official got sweet deal for his poor performance

Published 1:30 am Sunday, July 24, 2022

The Monroe School District has finally taken action on the status of School Superintendent Justin Blasko, who has been on paid leave since December 2021, with a yearly salary roughly $250,000 (“Blasko to resign, get nearly $396K in severance with Monroe schools,” The Herald, July 15). Claims against Blasko included his lack of adequate response to racial tensions and incidents on campuses; employee claims about his inappropriate language, bullying and sexist outbursts.

The District placed Mr. Blasko was placed on paid administrative leave in December 2021 (eight months of his yearly salary of $250,000 since then).

A separate investigative report about the claims against Blasko’s actions, including his inappropriate language and bullying supported the employees’ complaints. The report also validated the lack of superintendent action about questionable racial incidents on campus.

So what reward does Blasko get? In addition to the last eight months salary while on administrative leave, Blasko is allowed to resign instead of getting fired, resign with a severance.

His severance pay will be $396,000 probably in addition to other benefits like health coverage. In addition, Blasko has agreed never to seek employment with the Monroe School District. Why should he? I am sure his record upon his departure will not include the circumstances of his resignation.

The Monroe School District is to be commended for its professional agreement with Blasko. The fact that the District will be much more than $400,000 poorer does not appear to be a problem.

Kudos to the members of the School District. I do hope some if not all are being evaluated by the public during this upcoming election.

Ignacio Castro Jr.

Edmonds