The Kansas National Education Association is looking for a new executive director after Kevin Riemann left the teacher’s union late last month.
Riemann revealed on Facebook on Aug. 25 that the KNEA decided to “terminate” his contract, although in other Facebook posts he indicates that he has retired.
Riemann had been executive director for the KNEA since 2016 when he was picked to replace Claudette Johns who had been in that position for seven years.
A spokesperson for the KNEA confirmed that Riemann was no longer with the union, calling it a “separation of employment.” He said he could not comment further.
“My heart, mind and soul has been..with KNEA values,” Riemann wrote.
“I cannot say more, but please trust I spent the day communicating with my former staff and some leaders regarding moving the KNEA agenda forward,” he wrote.
“We need to stick to the mission and protect public Ed,” he said.
“If you hear negative things about me, consider the source and remember how I have interacted with you all.”
Riemann could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
Riemann told his Facebook followers that he was going to spend time with family before going on the road to campaign for candidates who support public education.
“KNEA has been the best employer I’ve had,” he wrote. “I bleed KNEA blue and always will.
“Join KNEA in the fight. Read and embrace our core values. They are there for a reason.”
The KNEA has named John Metzger as the acting executive director while a search takes place to fill the position. Metzger has been KNEA’s business services manager.
KNEA spokesperson Marcus Baltzell said the organization hopes to hire an interim director within a couple of weeks and then will launch a national search for a replacement.
“Business as usual right now,” Baltzell said.
“We are just moving forward toward a search for an interim,” he said.
He said there is no timeline set for filling the position.
“We are interested in finding the best candidate,” he said.
KNEA President Sherri Schwanz and Metzger sent a letter to KNEA members that referred to the change in leadership.
“Part of our evolution includes changes to our staff profile,” the letter said.
“Kansas NEA has benefited from the stewardship of the executive director whose leadership has given our organization stability and strength during a turbulent period for public education in Kansas nationwide,” the letter said.
“With the recent departure of our executive director, we look forward to a rigorous search for our next staff leader who will bring a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and engagement across all levels of our organization, internally and externally with our coalitions and partners,” the letter said.
Riemann had earned a bachelor’s in history from Fort Hay’s State and a master’s in education administration from the University of Kansas.
He had previously been a member of the Lansing Education Association and taught high school social studies for 20 years, mostly at Lansing High School.
