ATHENS, Ala. (AP) - The director of human resources of an Alabama school system sued the school board president and interim superintendent Tuesday, charging that they retaliated against him for taking part in a federal investigation.
The Decatur Daily reports that the suit filed by Samuel Mark Isley comes after Isley was placed on administrative leave last month as human resources director for Limestone County schools.
The investigation involves the Limestone school board’s handling of state and federal funds.
According to the lawsuit, Isley is a “whistleblower” and is subject to Alabama legal protections.
Isley’s suit also said he’s been targeted because he notified the Alabama State Department of Education in an email that interim Superintendent Michael Owens and the board were violating board policy, state law and placing the board’s Title I funds in jeopardy by hiring teachers who do not meet specified criteria.
The complaint was filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Isley also claims he’s being retaliated against for advising school officials that the board’s evaluation process for district and classified staff and principals isn’t in compliance with board policy or Alabama law.
Isley is demanding a jury trial and asking for compensatory and punitive damages. He’s also seeking protection from being fired.
The complaint names Owens, school board president Bret McGill and unnamed parties.
“Until we sit down and talk with our attorney, I think it’s best not to comment,” Owens told the newspaper.
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