Why Isn't Complaint Against Edina's Former Athletic Director John Soma Public?

When news broke 's Athletic Director and Assistant Principal , the first question on most people's minds was what sort of allegations had been made.

The district declined to comment on that matter, stating that Soma had been on administrative leave since Aug. 23 and he had opted to resign as of Monday, Sept. 10. 

The allegations and details of the investigation are not public information due to privacy laws, the district explained, but noted they had nothing to do with his employment at Edina and were not criminal in nature.

After studying current Minnesota Statutes governing public data, Patch decided to formally request documents relating to investigation of those allegations against Soma.

This was the district's reponse, under advice of legal counsel:

With respect to your request for all documents relating to the investigation involving John Soma, the District is denying your request based on Minnesota Statutes Section 13.43.

As amended, Minnesota Statutes Section 13.43, subdivision 2(e), defines a public official for a school district as "business managers, human resource directors, and individuals defined as superintendents, principals, and directors under Minnesota Rules, part 3512.0100; and in a charter school, individuals employed in comparable positions." Minnesota Rules, part 3512.0100 defines "director" as "the director and the assistant director of special education, or the director and assistant director of community education who perform duties consisting of 50 percent or more in administration, personnel, supervision, evaluation, and curriculum." Mr. Soma did not have any responsibilities as a director of special education or community education. Therefore, Mr. Soma is not a director as defined by the amended statute.

That same Rule defines a "principal" as an "elementary, secondary, and kindergarten through grade 12 school principals and assistant principals who perform duties consisting of 50 percent or more in administration, personnel, supervision, evaluation, and curriculum."

Mr. Soma spent approximately 10% of his time performing duties as an assistant principal at Edina High School.

For the reasons set forth above, your request for data related to the investigation is denied.

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