Opinion ID: 2133547
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Department of Labor's Authority to Reinstate

Text: [¶ 17.] The school district argues that the department lacked the authority to grant reinstatement as a remedy in this case. According to the district, Fries v. Wessington School Dist. No. 2-4, 307 N.W.2d 875 (S.D.1981), supports its contention. On the contrary, Fries specifically held that the department possesses the authority to order reinstatement of a nontenured teacher under certain circumstances. Id. at 877. Fries simply cautions that an order of reinstatement cannot confer rights of tenure on a teacher who has not reached continuing contract status. Id. at 879. Under SDCL 3-18-15.2, the department has the authority to order reinstatement as of the date Larson was improperly released. That authority does not infringe on school board autonomy; it requires a board to follow the procedures it contractually adopted. Id. [¶ 18.] Affirmed. [¶ 19.] MILLER, Chief Justice, and SABERS, AMUNDSON, and GILBERTSON, Justices, concur.