An ongoing employment dispute between now former Ontario Local Schools teacher Christy Matthes and the district ended Friday morning when the board of education accepted her resignation.
The resignation marks the end of a legal battle spanning several months. According to a statement from the Lisa Carmichael, Ontario Local Schools Superintendent, the agreement was a business decision that best met the needs of the school district. Given the potential costs of litigation and likely distractions of the case, the agreement most efficiently and effectively allowed the district to return their focus to education.
“Out of respect for all concerned and on the advice of board counsel, we are making no further comment at this time, except to say while we are extremely proud of our faculty and staff, we also recognize that not all employment decisions result in an alignment with our mission. We will endeavor to make decisions–however difficult-that make Ontario Schools a safe, positive and productive learning environment for our kids,” said Carmichael.
The separation and release agreement signed by Matthes allows her to remain on paid administrative leave until the irrevocable resignation, for personal reasons, becomes effective on February 20, 2014. The following day Matthes will be paid $80,000 as well as a payment equivalent to her insurance premiums for the months of January and February.
Matthes will release all claims against the board and neither party will claim any wrongdoing, nor is the agreement an admission of liability or guilt for the district or the former employee.
“We will endeavor to make decisions–however difficult-that make Ontario Schools a safe, positive and productive learning environment for our kids,” said Superintendent Lisa Carmichael.
