One of the 5 finalist for Supt. is involved in a lawsuit against her present employer and is trying to stop them from filling her job until the lawsuit is settled. Teachers are supporting the Supt. this sounds familar.
According to the Cape Cod Times from March 17th :
Before the finalists were announced, Supt. Mary Ellen Johnson once again attempted to stop the process. She handed out a letter from her attorney saying he intends to appeal a judge’s decision to dismiss her breach of contract lawsuit against the school board.
In a 5-2 vote, the board rejected a motion to suspend the search until June 1.
The school committee has moved forward with its search even as Johnson has fought to keep her job. Last week, a Superior Court judge dismissed Johnson’s lawsuit against the town, saying in his decision that she failed to prove the school committee acted inappropriately when it overturned an earlier board’s decision to renew her contract for two years. That initial contract vote came during an illegal meeting, the judge ruled.
Three teachers got up during the public forum portion of the school board agenda and praised Johnson’s work in the district. The teachers urged the school committee to reconsider its decision to replace her.
“It’s a shame,” teacher Pat Goode said.
Other teachers said their colleagues fear speaking out in support of Johnson because the issue has become highly politicized.
School committee member Shaun Cahill read a letter signed by 60 staff members who praised Johnson’s efforts on behalf of the school district.
Johnson sat through the entire discussion on the finalists. Her contract expires June 30.
Gerry could you please post her qualifications and background on your post.