Settlements and Verdicts

Invalid Termination

Collier County, FL: (May-07-08) Former Superintendent Ray Baker brought charges against the Collier County School District, over issues pertaining to his severance and termination from employment. He stated that the School Board violated state Sunshine Laws, so its July 31, 2007 vote to fire him was not valid. School Board member Richard Calabrese, who recommended that Baker be terminated, said Baker violated his contract by failing to perform his duties under Florida law. District officials recently announced that the two sides had reached a settlement, in which the district agreed to pay Baker $555,000 to resolve litigation.

Under the terms of the deal, the district will pay Baker the total of $555,000 in two equal installments, and agreed to cooperate with Baker to the extent that he may wish to defer the payments or portions of the payment to a tax-deferral program. The School Board also agreed to reinstate Baker and his wife to its group health coverage until they become eligible fort Medicare coverage. As a result of the settlement, Baker’s suit and the district’s counterclaim will be dismissed. The Collier County School Board stated that it has agreed to release Baker from any liability arising out of or under his employment or under any terms or conditions of his contract. [NAPLES DAILY NEWS: COLLIER SCHOOL DISTRICT, FORMER SUPERINTENDENT CLOSE TO $555,000 SETTLEMENT ]

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