Kevin Astor, Fort Dodge Senior High assistant principal, and Julie Astor, FDSH physical education teacher, borrowed the kayaks and used them on June 17.

Two kayaks were damaged that afternoon on Lizard Creek in Fort Dodge.

“We view it as a serious matter and definitely inappropriate,” Ulrich said.

Ulrich, who is entering his first year as superintendent, was not yet employed by the district when the incident took place.

Julie Astor and two of her kids were thrown from the vessels that afternoon. The three were reported missing upstream from Amigo’s shortly after 4 p.m.

All three made it back to shore safely and were wearing life jackets.

Julie Astor was found near Iowa Highway 7 and her daughter and son were located near Martin-Marietta Aggregates on the western edge of Fort Dodge.

Ulrich said the Astors have since reimbursed the district for the damaged kayaks and paid a rental fee.

Each kayak cost about $150.

The kayaks are typically used for the high school’s physical education class.

“The district didn’t have knowledge they were utilizing the equipment nor did they authorize the use of the equipment because that would be inappropriate,” Ulrich said. “The district doesn’t just hand out equipment to families or district employees to use.”

The Astors faced consequences internally, Ulrich reported.

“We did deal with it internally because we view it as serious matter and definitely inappropriate,” he said.

Both remain district employees.

Ulrich added, “The Astors have been remorseful and understand. That’s really where we are at.”