REEDS SPRING, Mo. (AP) – A southwest Missouri school district has settled a third lawsuit stemming from allegations involving its longtime former superintendent.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that the district agreed to pay $250,000 as part of an agreement with former counselor Janie Dennison, who alleged she was unfairly targeted by the district after voicing support for a colleague who alleged sexual harassment by the now-retired superintendent Michael Mason.
That colleague successfully sued the district twice, alleging retaliation the second time. The district agreed to pay $500,000 to settle the first case, with the stipulation that she resign, and $187,500 to settle the second.
In total, the district has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $937,500 to settle the three lawsuits.
Mason, who received a contract extension and pay increases in the middle of the suits, retired a year ago. He repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has never been criminally charged.
The new superintendent, Cody Hirschi, recently unveiled a five-year plan for the district and there has been significant turnover on the school board.
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